Dr Zac reveals why hay fever is getting worse

A doctor has revealed that new studies show a bizarre reason why hay fever is worsening — particularly in Sydney and Melbourne.

Welcome to Ask Doctor Zac, a weekly column from news.com.au. This week, Dr Zac Turner talks about the weird reason hay fever is getting worse.

QUESTION: Hi Dr Zac, about this time every year my girlfriend has to bunker down inside because of her allergies. She is at war with pollen, and it’s fair to say she hasn’t won many of the battles.

I’ve done a bit of research about hay fever and allergies, and something that always popped up are London plane trees – and after digging deeper I was shocked. Is it true these trees cause serious reactions? They are literally everywhere in Melbourne.

I don’t want to move away, but are there ways to desensitise yourself from pollen? – Andrew, 35, Melbourne

ANSWER: Hi Andrew, for some, springtime is an occasion for happiness and smiles underneath the heating up sun. And for others, springtime is a hellscape laden in pollen that never seems to end. Think of hayfever and allergies as a bushfire, and London plane trees as napalm being thrown into the blaze.

When you have an allergic reaction, or hay fever, you are having a histamine cascade which causes a waterfall of effects such as itchy eyes and runny nose. If it worsens, this waterfall can cause more serious effects. That’s why people often take antihistamines during spring to lessen their reactions.

Most readers who live in Melbourne and Sydney know what a London plane tree looks like but may not know their name. They make up about 70 per cent of the tree population in Melbourne, and the figure is similar in Sydney.

The tree is popular with developers and town planners as they are quick growing, pollution tolerant and overall have a pleasing aesthetic. What’s often overlooked is the falling tree leaves, which release soot hairs known as trichomes, during the peak of spring.

A London plane tree.

Fine particles from plane trees cause throat irritation.

Trichomes are fine, spiky hairs that cover the young leaves of plane trees in spring. They are released into the air as the leaves mature. The fine particles from plane trees could cause throat irritation and laryngospasm, a spasm of the vocal cords, even in people who are not prone to allergies.

The studies are fresh, but they are suggesting those with existing allergies often have exacerbated reactions due to Trichomes. It’s showing that they also exacerbate asthma, emphysema and bronchitis.

These little spores are wreaking havoc in our hospitals. Ten years ago Australian hospitals did 10 full lung transplants a year. Now they do about 20 just in Sydney. If you have asthma or serious allergies, and breathe in just one of these spores, you could end up being one of those lung transplants if you have a bad reaction.

I seriously believe there should be an outright ban across Australian councils for the planting of these trees, as they will end up causing a new pandemic.

Two london plane trees. Picture: AAP/Troy Snook

Rather than calling for people to become guerrilla gardeners and chop down these trees, I recommend they put in place a few habits to save themselves some itchy tears.

• If you have asthma make sure you are stocked up on puffers and always have one in your pocket

• Keep a stockpile of antihistamines and always have one handy

• Wear wrap around sunglasses outside, and be sure to avoid prominent plane tree areas during spring

• Make an allergy plan with your doctor, and do some tests to see what exactly are your triggers

I hope your partner is OK, and please take her outside for a walk – maybe just not under the trees.

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Dr Zac Turner has a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Sydney. He is both a medical practitioner and a co-owner of telehealth service, Concierge Doctors. He was also a registered nurse and is also a qualified and experienced biomedical scientist along with being a PhD Candidate in Biomedical Engineering

Originally published as Dr Zac reveals why hay fever is getting worse