Conifer pollen sensitivity in western New York: cedar pollens

Abstract

Cedar pollens might be significant allergens in areas where they have not been so considered but are prevalent. Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) and white cedar (Thuja occidentalis, American arbor vitae) are common plants in western New York. We analyzed skin test results from 158 patients with asthma, rhinitis, or both; 102 had positive skin tests to at least one pollen. Among those, 52 patients (51%) had positive skin tests to at least one of the cedar pollens. Patients sensitive on skin testing to cedar pollen were strongly likely (p < 0.0001) to be sensitive to deciduous tree, grass, or ragweed pollen. Sensitivity on skin testing to indigenous cedar pollens is common in our area of western New York and therefore could be clinically significant.