What is in the air in March? The start of the tree pollen season in Szczecin

March is the month when nature wakes up — and so does the allergy season. For people allergic to tree pollen, it is often the first difficult moment of the year. The air over Szczecin is then dominated by alder and hazel, and poplar joins at the end of the month.

In brief

• Main allergens of March: alder and hazel (peak), towards the end of the month poplar, yew and elm.
• In warm springs: the first birch pollen may appear as early as the end of March.
• Typical symptoms: runny nose with watery discharge, sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, cough.
• Cross-reactions: alder and hazel cross-react with birch — whoever reacts to one often reacts to the others.
• How to cope: follow the pollen calendar, air your home after rain, shower when you get home; if symptoms are strong, get tested.

What is pollinating in March — the main allergens

Alder

Alder is one of the first and strongest early-spring allergens. It pollinates from February and peaks in March. In Szczecin and the surrounding area you will find it mainly along the Oder, by lakes and in wetlands. Symptoms include a runny nose with watery discharge, conjunctivitis, sneezing, sometimes skin reactions, and shortness of breath in sensitive people.

Hazel

Hazel pollinates alongside alder, often from February, and in March it still keeps concentrations high. Its pollen cross-reacts strongly with birch and alder, so allergic people usually react to this whole group. Symptoms are typical of hay fever.

Poplar

At the end of March poplar starts to pollinate (it peaks in April). It is rather a weak allergen — if it causes symptoms, they are usually a runny nose, cough and a scratchy throat. Remember: it is the pollen that causes allergy, not the white fluff that appears much later.

Yew and elm

Yew and elm also pollinate in March. They less often cause strong reactions, but in people with multiple allergies they add up with alder and hazel.

How to ease allergy symptoms in March

• Follow the pollen calendar and plan longer outings for days with lower pollen levels.
• Air your home after rain — that is when there is the least pollen in the air.
• Shower and change clothes when you get home.
• Rinse your eyes and face, and consider sunglasses outdoors.
• In the car and bedroom, a pollen / HEPA filter helps.

If symptoms return every year, it is worth finding out exactly what you are allergic to. At the AGAMED clinic in Szczecin we perform allergy tests for a wide panel of allergens — painlessly, with the result right away — and we offer bioresonance desensitisation. Every body reacts differently, so if symptoms are strong, it is also worth consulting an allergist.

Frequently asked questions

What pollinates the most in March?

Alder and hazel — the main allergens of early spring. Towards the end of the month poplar, yew and elm start to pollinate, and in warm years the first birch as well.

Why do I react to alder, hazel and birch at the same time?

Because their pollens are similar to each other and cause cross-reactions. An allergy to one of these trees usually means sensitivity to the whole group.

When should I get allergy tests?

Preferably outside the peak of symptoms — the result is then the most reliable. We carry out tests at AGAMED all year round. Book a visit: 519 055 858.