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

Spicebush, also known by its scientific name Lindera benzoin, is a native North American shrub. Its vibrant yellow flowers bloom amid the onset of spring. These blooms lead to the dispersion of pollen, commonly noted to increase allergic reactions. To completely understand this occurrence, one must recognize the biological process. It begins with the increased exposure to sunlight and rising temperatures which stimulates spicebush’s pollen production. As daylight hours stretch, so does the stamen maturity, the pollen-producing reproductive organ of flowers. The stamen contains pollen sacs that open when mature, liberating minute grains of pollen. Borne by wind, or insects, these granules travel vast distances. The pollen dispersion is not a relentless event. Specific meteorological conditions favor - typically dry, windy days ensure higher pollen concentration in the air. Precipitation is a natural barrier, washing away the allergen, temporarily reducing concentrations. Pollen grains are spiked, facilitating their attachment to bees and other pollinators. However, when inhaled by humans, these allergens hook onto the nasal cells, leading to inflammation. Thus, spicebush pollen contributes majorly to seasonal allergies during spring.