Facts, Prevention, and Relief for Maple Tree Allergies for 2024

Maple trees are some of the most allergenic trees in the United States. They cause problems for allergy sufferers every spring. They can be found just about everywhere and are even considered invasive species in some parts of the country.

The pollen from maple trees can travel for miles, and certain species can start producing pollen especially early in the year. If you have allergies to maple trees, it can be difficult to avoid their highly allergenic pollen. Fortunately, there are good ways to treat and manage your allergy symptoms.

Wyndly can help with a personalized treatment plan for your maple allergies. Set up an allergy consultation with Wyndly today to get started, or read on to learn more about maple allergies.

Common Symptoms

Several common symptoms will flare up when maple allergy season comes around. You may experience one or more of the following symptoms if you have maple allergies.

• Runny nose
• Coughing
• Congestion
• Sneezing
• Scratchy throat
• Itchy eyes
• Watery eyes
• Aggravated symptoms of asthma

Maple pollen allergies can vary in severity. Your symptoms may be mild or they may make you miserable, and symptoms may worsen on days with a high pollen count.

Where Are Maples Found?

Maple trees can be found in nearly every state in the continental U.S. Though originally native to only Europe and Asia, maple trees can now be found in both Canada and the United States. Maple trees can be found in woodland areas, backyards, roadsides, landscaping, and many other areas. They are commonly planted as shade trees.

There are more than 125 species of maple tree, with 13 species found in the United States. The box elder and silver maple species are the most allergenic. The widespread nature of maple trees makes them very difficult to avoid for allergy sufferers.

When Is Maple Pollen Allergy Season?

As with many tree species, maple pollen allergy season peaks in spring. The season usually starts in late February, with March and April being the worst months. Some species can start producing pollen as early as January. If you have maple allergies, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the pollen count during these months.

Foods to Avoid

If you have a maple tree allergy and you notice you have an itchy mouth or throat after eating certain fruits and vegetables, you may have oral allergy syndrome. OAS happens because the proteins in some foods are similar to the proteins found in maple pollen, so your body may not be able to distinguish the two.

Here are foods that some people have reactions to if they have a maple allergy:

• Bananas
• Celery
• Peaches
• Peanuts
• Hazelnuts
• Lettuce
• Chickpeas

If you have a maple allergy, it’s recommended that you avoid these foods. If you have trouble breathing after consuming food, seek emergency medical attention right away, as you may be having an acute allergic reaction.

Testing and Diagnosis

Though maple tree allergies are very common, it can be difficult to single them out as the source of your symptoms. Maple allergy season coincides with a variety of tree allergy seasons. It can also cross over into grass allergy season. With an allergy test, you can learn what allergies are causing your symptoms. Wyndly makes allergy testing simple and convenient with our at-home allergy test. With a quick at-home finger-prick test, we can get your results and find out what you’re allergic to. Order your at-home test from Wyndly today.

This is how different allergy testing options work:

Old-Fashioned Method: Skin Prick Test at Your Doctor’s Office

Skin prick testing requires you to go to the doctor to find out your allergen triggers. It’s often uncomfortable, and it takes time out of your day. You’ll go to the doctor’s office, they’ll administer a test where they prick or scrape your skin with a needle tipped with different allergens, and then they’ll observe the areas they pricked for itchiness, redness, or swelling. All in all, it’s not a pleasant experience. Instead, save yourself time and pain by getting an at-home test.

Modern and Efficient At-Home Method

1. Order Wyndly’s at-home allergy test. We ship our CLIA-certified test straight to your door.
2. Take the allergy test and send it back to us. Just do a quick finger prick test to provide us with a blood sample and mail it back when you’re done.
3. Receive your personal allergy profile. Our doctor will interpret your results, create an allergy profile, and walk you through a treatment plan.

Unlike self-diagnosis, an allergy test can reveal the full breadth of your allergies. This way you know exactly what you’re allergic to and how you can treat your symptoms.

Treatment and Remedies

Though allergy symptoms can be miserable, they’re very manageable. There are even ways to treat your symptoms and find complete relief. Let’s take a look at some of these methods.

Limiting Exposure

It’s a good idea to limit your exposure to maple pollen as much as you can. Though maple pollen is nearly impossible to avoid completely, there are measures you can take to relieve symptoms. Here are some common ways to limit exposure.

• Check the pollen count during allergy season: Checking the pollen count can tell you how concentrated pollen is that day. On days with a high pollen count, try to stay indoors. If you must go outside, wearing an N95 mask and sunglasses can help reduce the pollen that gets in your eyes, mouth, and nose.
• Trim tree branches: Trimming maple tree branches near your house can lower the amount of pollen they produce.
• Go outside in the evening: When you’re wanting to get outside during allergy season, evening hours are better. Pollen tends to peak in the morning and early afternoon.
• Shower frequently: Pollen can easily stick to your hair and skin. Showering will help rinse off pollen after you’ve been outside. At the very least, wash your hands and face after going outside.
• Keep your house clean: Cleaning your home can help you get rid of pollen. Vacuum using a HEPA filter vacuum, dust your hard surfaces with a wet rag, and do laundry at least once per week. This can minimize the amount of pollen you live with.
• Wipe pets down: When your pets come in from the outside, it’s a good idea to wipe them down with a towel to get pollen off.
• Avoid the aforementioned foods: Don’t forget to avoid maple-related foods.
• Keep windows closed: Don’t let pollen float in through the windows. Keep windows closed during pollen season and run your A/C instead. If possible, install a HEPA filter too.

Medications

Limiting exposure may work for those with very mild symptoms, but many people need the assistance of allergy medicine to manage their symptoms. There are several options for allergy medications.

• Over-the-counter: Over-the-counter allergy medications can work to temporarily relieve symptoms for most people. They’re also widely available and have non-drowsy options and options for children. Here are some common OTC allergy meds:
  • Antihistamines: Antihistamines temporarily block histamine production, reducing your allergy symptoms.
  • Nasal sprays: Nasal sprays can clear your nasal passages of pollen, reduce swelling, and relieve inflammation. This is good for stuffy and runny nose symptoms.
  • Eye drops: Eye drops can get the pollen out of your eyes and relieve itchy and red eye symptoms.
• Prescription: If OTC allergy meds provide no relief, you may want to consult your doctor about prescription allergy options.

Sublingual Immunotherapy

Sublingual immunotherapy is an allergy treatment that can provide long-term relief from symptoms instead of just managing them temporarily. It works by introducing small, gradually increasing doses of an allergen to your system. This retrains your immune system to ignore these harmless substances instead of triggering a reaction.

Unlike allergy shots, sublingual immunotherapy is administered under the tongue without painful needles or a doctor’s visit. You can safely self-administer sublingual immunotherapy at home.

Get Long-Term Relief With Wyndly

If you’re looking to find lifelong relief from maple allergies, Wyndly can help. Our personalized allergy consultation includes an at-home allergy test that will pin down your specific allergens. Next, our personalized, physician-led care will provide you with a treatment plan to find long-term relief from allergy symptoms.

When you’re ready to start living an allergy-free life, schedule your allergy consultation with Wyndly.

Maple FAQs

Below are some frequently asked questions about maple allergies.

What maple trees am I allergic to?

Though several maple species could be causing your symptoms, box elders tend to be the most allergenic. They also are the only maple that is entirely wind-pollinated. Silver maples are also known to be a common maple pollen allergy.

Can I just get rid of maple trees from my yard?

Removing trees from your yard can be a difficult endeavor, and removing them from your immediate vicinity won’t necessarily solve your problem, since you can still be exposed to nearby maples in your area. You could try trimming maple branches to reduce the amount of pollen around your house.

Can I move to a state without maple trees?

Maple trees can be found in most of the continental United States.

When will maple pollen be the worst?

Maple allergy season will usually peak in March and April. Be sure to check pollen counts on these days, avoid going outside during the morning hours, and avoid dry and windy days especially.

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