Most pollen allergies are linked to spring and summer. Cypress is an exception: the Cupressaceae family is the main cause of winter pollen allergy — allergic symptoms that occur when most people never think about pollen. Precisely because of this unusual timing, cypress allergy is most often mistakenly attributed to a prolonged cold or "persistent sneezing" throughout winter.

On the Croatian coast, where cypress and juniper are part of the landscape and frequent ornamental plants, this allergy is much more widespread than commonly thought.

Which plants are we talking about

The Cupressaceae family in our region includes several plants:

  • Mediterranean cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) — tall trees typical of Mediterranean gardens, cemeteries and tree-lined streets
  • Arizona cypress (Cupressus arizonica) — common ornamental and hedge plant
  • Juniper (Juniperus) — widespread on karst and along coast
  • Arborvitae (Thuja) — very common hedge in gardens worldwide

All share related allergens, so a person sensitive to one usually reacts to others.

Season — why in winter

The main peculiarity of cypress is its flowering period:

  • from December to March, depending on species and weather
  • peak usually in January and February
  • in mild coastal winters can start as early as November
  • Arizona cypress sometimes flowers somewhat later, extending the season into early spring

Warm, dry and windy winter days release the most pollen. That is why symptoms that worsen during pleasant winter weather, and improve during rain, point to cypress rather than infection.

Symptoms

Clinical presentation is typical for pollen allergy, but at the "wrong" time of year:

  • watery discharge and nasal congestion
  • frequent sneezing
  • itching and redness of eyes
  • itching of palate and throat
  • in sensitive individuals — asthma worsening

The key to recognition is duration and pattern: a cold passes in a week or two, while cypress pollen allergy lasts for weeks and returns every winter at the same time.

Cross-reactions

Within the family cross-reactivity is high — cypress, juniper and arborvitae overlap considerably. There is also limited association with pine and other conifers, described in a separate article. Food cross-reactions are rare and usually clinically insignificant.

Diagnosis

  • skin prick tests for cypress and juniper
  • specific IgE tests from blood (Cup s 1) when skin tests are unreliable
  • keeping notes about which month symptoms appear — winter pattern itself strongly suggests Cupressaceae

What helps

  • Second-generation antihistamines throughout winter season
  • Nasal corticosteroid spray started before expected flowering begins
  • Eye drops for allergic conjunctivitis
  • Ventilation when weather is humid; closed windows for dry and windy winter days
  • Avoid pruning of cypress and arborvitae hedges during flowering season, which releases large quantities of pollen

Specific immunotherapy for cypress is available and, with clearly confirmed sensitivity, can be a long-term solution. Assessment is made by an allergist.

Practical recommendations

  • If your "cold" lasts the entire January and February and returns every winter, suspect cypress and mention it to your doctor.
  • When landscaping on the coast, avoid dense cypress and arborvitae hedges if the household has sensitive people.
  • Postpone hedge pruning to the period outside flowering season or do it during wet weather.

Note

This is not medical advice. If you suspect cypress pollen allergy or any other pollen allergy, consult your family physician or allergist. Accurate diagnosis is especially important for winter symptoms, as pollen allergy is easily confused with colds.