Haven't had any reactions to trees but I did get a nasty sinus infection this spring. Most likely from mold under the bark flying up in my face as I'm splitting it off. Dr gave me Flonase to use, seems to have worked. Should also be using a mask every time but I usually forget it in the garage.
Yeah my head gets all bound up. I though it may have been from the dust but your theory makes better sense. Doesn't seem nearly has bad if I cut standing dead stuff.
He did a lot of nose blowing and we could just tell. Lot of running nose, post nasal drip, etc. brought him to the specialist and had him tested.