Tree pollent23

Cypress allergy

Cypress flowers in winter and early spring around the Mediterranean. Cypress allergy is one of the most common pollen allergies in southern Europe and causes symptoms at a time of year when there is little pollen further north.

Allergen
Cypress Cupressus sempervirens
Allergen code
t23
Season
January–April (southern Europe)
Key allergens
Cup s 1
Included in
1 test
Contents
  1. What is cypress allergy?
  2. Symptoms
  3. When does cypress flower?
  4. Cross-reactivity
  5. How to get tested
  6. Frequently asked questions

What is cypress allergy?

Cypress allergy is a pollen allergy to cypress, a conifer that grows wild and is planted as hedges and ornamental trees throughout the Mediterranean region. The most important allergen is called Cup s 1. The allergy has become more common in southern Europe as more cypresses have been planted.

Symptoms

  • A runny and blocked nose, often with a lot of sneezing
  • Itchy and watery eyes
  • Coughing

Because the symptoms come in the middle of winter, they are often mistaken for a cold.

When does cypress flower?

Cypress flowers from January to April, peaking in February–March. That makes it one of the few pollen sources that can cause symptoms in winter, whether you live in southern Europe or are on holiday there.

Cross-reactivity

Cypress is related to other plants in the cypress family, such as juniper, thuja and Japanese cedar, and their allergens are similar. Some people with cypress allergy also react to peach and citrus fruits. This is due to a protein found in both the pollen and the fruit.

How to get tested

Cypress (allergen code t23) is included in our Mediterranean pollen allergy test, together with olive, ash and plane. The test shows whether you have IgE antibodies to cypress pollen.

Frequently asked questions

Can thuja and juniper cause symptoms further north in Europe?

They belong to the same family as cypress and have similar allergens. In Sweden, for example, pollen levels from them rarely get high, but they may cause symptoms in people who are allergic to cypress.

Why do I get pollen symptoms in Spain in February?

In February it is peak cypress season in large parts of southern Europe. That can explain symptoms you do not have at home at the same time of year.

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 cypress 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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