Tree pollent15

Ash pollen allergy

Ash flowers at the same time as birch, so ash pollen allergy is easily mistaken for birch allergy. Ash pollen cross-reacts with olive and lilac.

Allergen
Ash Fraxinus
Allergen code
t15
Season
March–May
Key allergens
Fra e 1
Included in
1 test
Contents
  1. What is ash pollen allergy?
  2. Symptoms
  3. When does ash flower?
  4. Cross-reactivity
  5. How to get tested
  6. Frequently asked questions

What is ash pollen allergy?

Ash pollen allergy is a pollen allergy to ash, a deciduous tree that is common in much of Europe. The most important allergen is called Fra e 1. It is not related to the birch allergen, so ash pollen allergy is a separate allergy even though it causes symptoms at the same time of year.

Symptoms

  • Sneezing and a runny or blocked nose
  • Itchy, red and watery eyes
  • Coughing and asthma symptoms

When does ash flower?

Ash flowers in spring, often from March to May, at the same time as birch. Because the seasons overlap, it is hard to know whether ash or birch is causing the symptoms. A blood test can tell them apart.

Cross-reactivity

Ash belongs to the same plant family as olive, lilac and privet. Their pollen is similar, so people who are allergic to ash often also react to olive. This is most noticeable in spring around the Mediterranean, where olive trees are common.

How to get tested

Ash (allergen code t15) is included in our Mediterranean pollen allergy test, together with olive, plane and cypress. If you want to know whether it is ash or birch that is causing your symptoms, you can combine it with our Pollen allergy test, which measures birch.

Frequently asked questions

Why is ash included in a test for Mediterranean pollen?

Ash is related to the olive tree, and the two cross-react. That is why they are usually tested together, even though ash grows across much of Europe, far beyond the Mediterranean.

How do I know whether I am reacting to ash or birch?

The symptoms are the same and the seasons overlap. A blood test that measures IgE to both shows whether you are sensitised to one, the other or both.

Often cross-reacts with

This text is general information and does not replace an assessment by a healthcare professional. In an emergency, call 112. If you have questions about your health, contact your doctor.

Tests for ash pollen allergy

You take the sample yourself at home. The tests measure IgE antibodies in a capillary blood sample.

Tree pollen

In much of Europe, hazel and alder flower from late winter, and birch in April–May. Olive and cypress grow mainly around the Mediterranean, and plane is a common street tree in cities in southern and central Europe.

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