Birch pollen allergy T78.0, T 78.1, L27.-

19-25% of pollinosis sufferers in Central Europe are sensitized to birch pollen(see pollen below; see tree pollen below). Birch pollen allergy sufferers react particularly frequently (30-70%) to food (see cross-reaction below). Cross-allergies to stone and pome fruit (especially apple; see apple allergy below), soy (Gly m4), nuts, raw vegetables (especially carrots), celery (Api g1) are most common, less frequently to Brazil nuts and peppers.

These food allergies often manifest themselves as " oral allergy syndrome". Rarely do birch pollen allergy sufferers develop contact urticaria from birch twigs. A birch pollen-associated worsening of atopic eczema (exposed areas of skin) is questionable.

Betula verrucosa (see birch below)

According to the IUIS Allergen Nomenclature Sub-Committee 6 birch pollen allergens are officially accepted to date:

• Bet v 1 Pathogenesis-related protein (PR-10 protein: major allergen)
• Bet v 2 Profilin: Minor allergen
• Bet v 3 Polcalcine-like protein
• Bet v 4 Polcalcin: Minor allergen, indicator of cross-reactivity with other Pocalcininenin tree, grass and herb pollen.
• Bet v 6 Phenylcoumarin-benzylether reductase
• Bet v 7 Cyclophilin

1. WHO/IUS Allergen Nomenclature Sub-Committee