One allergy specialist says this year’s mild winter could lead to worse allergies. Heather Yourex reports.
CALGARY – Under a clear blue sky with a temperature hitting 28 degrees Celsius, Calgary’s Prince’s Island Park was a popular place to be on Tuesday. Most people seemed eager to soak in the spring sun, but for Maggie Paquette, something strange was happening.
“I guess I do have a runny nose,” said the Calgary mom. “I don’t know, I don’t usually experience spring allergies.”
Allergy specialist Dr. Joel Doctor says southern Alberta’s mild winter coupled with the recent warm and windy weather will lead to higher pollen counts and a more severe spring allergy season.
“There may be some people that never had hay fever symptoms in the past that for the first time this year start to notice it,” Doctor explained. “There may also be people that have had relatively mild hay fever symptoms in the past that this year notice their symptoms are a lot more severe.”
People experiencing spring allergy symptoms right now are likely allergic to tree pollen. In Calgary, birch, cotton and poplar trees are most often to blame. In June, people with grass allergies will notice stronger symptoms. In other areas of the country, fall is ragweed allergy season, but in Calgary ragweed isn’t a problem.
“People often notice the white cotton fluff in the air–typically in June and July–and think that’s the cause of allergy symptoms, but that fluff doesn’t cause allergies. If you’re suffering at that time of year, you’re likely allergic to the grass pollen in the air,” says Doctor.
Above watch: Calgary pharmacist Lauren Sule explains what to look for when shopping for over the counter allergy medication.
For people with mild to moderate symptoms, over-the-counter allergy medications can help. Pharmacist Lauren Sule recommends looking for a non-drowsy antihistamine that can be taken once a day.
“It’s also good to look for something that does not have a decongestant in it specifically,” Sule said. “Sometimes decongestants can have interactions with other medications, and sometimes they can have a stimulating effect–like caffeine–which can keep you awake at night.”
For itchy eyes, drops can also offer relief. Sule recommends choosing cromoglycate or antihistamine formulas. If over-the-counter medications don’t help with symptoms, doctors can prescribe stronger medications. For more severe cases, allergy shots may also be appropriate.
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