Allergy, White Pine in Medavakkam, Chennai

The white pine tree belongs to a group of evergreen trees known for remaining functional for more than one growing season. The tree is infamous for pine pollen and pine nuts, known for causing a white pine allergy in human beings.

Pine pollen is usually considered to have anti-ageing properties and is believed to help fatigue. However, the body’s immune system may view it as an allergen in some individuals, leading to a white pine allergy.

These pollens are present in the air during spring. Since pollen can travel long distances in the air, pine pollen allergy can impact individuals from different parts of the world.

On the other hand, pine nuts are edible seeds of white pine. They are used in various food items, including pesto sauce, cakes, bread, salads, and pizzas. Ingestion of these items may cause allergic symptoms in individuals with a white pine allergy.

The white pine allergy test is a diagnostic test to detect the presence of white pine allergy in a patient. It is a standard blood test in which the lab technician draws blood from the vein in the arm. The blood is then sent for further analysis to check for the presence of white pine specific IgE antibodies.

Alternatively, the lab can also use a skin-prick test to detect the allergy. The procedure involves pricking the skin to insert small amounts of the allergen to check for the reaction. The formation of a reddish, elevated bump with a red ring around it will confirm an allergic reaction to the substance, white bean in this case.

During an immune response, the body produces two types of antibodies – IgG antibodies and IgE antibodies. The latter is produced immediately following an immune response, while IgG antibodies form one or two weeks after the infection. The presence of IgE antibodies in the blood might point to a recent infection in the patient.

Apollo 24|7 offers a comprehensive white pine allergy test to determine the cause of allergen in the patient. Some of the symptoms of this allergy include:

• Itchy, tearing red eyes
• Runny nose with or without sneezing and congestion
• Coughing
• Tightness in the chest and difficulty breathing
• Bags under the eyes
• Swelling of the tongue, throat, nose and lips
• Hives or rash
• Abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and vomiting
• Dizziness and fainting or loss of consciousness
• Shock and heart failure

The pollen may also increase the intensity of asthma in patients. If these symptoms persist consistently, it is vital to visit a health practitioner. Unchecked allergies may cause anaphylaxis, a condition where the body enters a state of shock.