Experts offer tips to manage seasonal allergies

Experts say this allergy season will be particularly brutal for sufferers in Ottawa. We learn more from Aerobiology Research Laboratories.

Spring is now in full swing, meaning seasonal allergy sufferers are likely dealing with their fair share of sniffly noses and itchy eyes.

While seasonal allergies can be debilitating, there are steps people can take to help manage their symptoms.

This week, two experts joined CTV’s Your Morning Ottawa to talk all about seasonal allergies.

What are seasonal allergies?

According to Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, A.K.A. Dr. Paul, those suffering with seasonal allergies are usually reacting to different types of pollen. Symptoms vary, but can include runny or itchy eyes, nasal congestion, stuffy nose, and possibly even asthma.

“They can be quite debilitating,” Dr. Paul said. “Many people get very tired, can’t work, can’t function, and so they can be serious.”

Allergy season typically begins in March and for some, it can last until the winter.

“People who have allergies can have allergies all season long,” Dr. Paul says.

As Dr. Paul explains, March through May is typically tree pollen season, June and July is the peak for grass pollen, and August to the start of winter is usually when ragweed is at its height.

What to expect this allergy season

According to Daniel Coates, director of the Aerobiology Research Laboratories, allergy sufferers should brace for a particularly tough spring.

“What happened is we had a bit of a late start because it was so cold,” Coates said.

Coates says trees like maple, alder and willow, which normally pollinate early in the season, had a delayed start this year. Now, pollen from those typically early bloomers is combining with other highly allergenic pollinators like birch, poplar and oak.

As Dr. Paul puts it, it’s creating a “double-whammy” effect for allergy sufferers.

What to expect in the future

Over the last 25 years, pollen counts in Ottawa have nearly doubled. Across Canada, pollen counts have doubled.

“The ones that really gain traction are those ones in the air right now, like birch, oak, poplar, those have almost tripled in Ottawa since ‘95, so we’ve been gathering that data for over 35 years,” he said.

According to Coates, things are not trending in the right direction.

“It’s actually gotten much worse, and it’s only going to get worse, because pollen loves warm weather, and we’re having longer periods of warm weather globally for the most part and here in Canada as well,” he said.

How to treat seasonal allergies

When it comes to treatment, experts agree that the first step is diagnosis.

Recurring symptoms that pop up around the same time every year, are a good indication of seasonal allergies but the only way to confirm is to take an allergy test.

“Maybe it’s allergies, but the real way of confirming it is going to an allergist and getting a skin test,” Dr. Paul said. “The skin test will tell you exactly what you’re allergic to.”

Seeking out an allergist is a recommendation that Coates echoes.

“A lot of people, astonishingly, have no idea what they’re allergic to. They just guess,” Coates said. “We’re always going to recommend that you contact an allergist, find out what you’re allergic to, and then take the appropriate steps to minimize the impact of pollen.”

Coates recommends using the “Allergy Sufferers” app, which tracks the pollen levels of different pollinators, and allows users to log their allergic reactions. From there, Coates recommends people take steps to avoid contact with their allergens.

“If you have grass allergies, get somebody else to do that yard work. Wear wrap around sunglasses. Keeps it out of your eyes, so you’re not crying so much, just different things like that,” he said. “Maybe run indoors instead of outdoors on high days. You know, those types of tips and tricks can really help minimize the impact on your quality of life.”

There are a few “logical” measures Dr. Paul recommends people implement to help reduce their symptoms. For instance, he suggests air conditioning and filtering to improve indoor air quality. He also says allergy sufferers should try to avoid opening their windows in the morning, as that’s when pollen levels are highest.

There are medication options to help manage symptoms. Dr. Paul recommends antihistamine eye drops for itchy eyes and prescription or over-the-counter steroid nasal sprays for nose itchiness or congestion.

People with asthma should be using their asthma inhalers as directed by their doctor.

For people who suffer from multiple allergy-related symptoms, Dr. Paul says an antihistamine, like Claritin or Reactine, could help.

For those who aren’t finding success with any of the other approaches, allergy shots could be a solution. Allergy shot treatments typically take three to five years to complete, with weekly and then monthly shots required.

“Once you’re tested, and these medications or approaches don’t help, speak to your doctor, you can get allergy shots that may help you,” he said.

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