Goumi pollen allergy: Symptoms, Treatment, Immunotherapy, Tips to avoid

The Goumi is a deciduous shrub originating from East Asia, recognized for its edible bright red berries. However, its pollen production can make it a potent allergen, particularly when growing in the U.S. This is largely due to the plant's high pollen count when in bloom, typically in the spring-early summer period. During this growing season, Goumi flowers produce an abundance of small, lightweight pollen particles that are easily distributed by wind. The pollen is the male sexual component of the plant, released with the intention to fertilize female flowers, but also collide with our immune system upon inhalation, causing allergic reactions. From runny nose and itchy eyes to more severe symptoms such as asthma-like symptoms, the Goumi's pollen can trigger a range of unpleasant reactions in those with sensitivities or allergies. Environmental factors also contribute to the intensity of the allergy season, with climate and weather patterns influencing a plant's potential to produce more potent pollen. Interestingly, pollen from the Goumi plant is not universally problematic. People develop allergies upon repeated exposure to an allergen, so the issue is augmented in regions where this shrub thrives. It is their capacity to produce voluminous pollen, coupled with their periodic growing schedule, that positions Goumi as a potent allergen.