Allergy sufferers don’t have to avoid flowers

Watch above: For many, spring also marks the beginning of allergy season in Saskatchewan. Aaron Streck finds out what kinds of plants and flowers those struck by the sniffles can still have in their yards.

SASKATOON – The outdoors can be a nightmare for some this time of year. Seasonal allergies can be a battle depending on which way the wind blows, they can lead to watery or itchy eyes, a runny nose, coughing, even skin rashes.

“Essentially this is when everybody is really, really struggling with their allergy symptoms,” said Amy Lamb, a pharmacist with Medical Arts Pharmacy.

“I think sometimes people will actually think they have been experiencing a cold but if that cold’s been going on for a month it’s probably more likely that you’ve been suffering from seasonal allergies.”

With everything starting to green up, bud and bloom coupled with snow mould and dust are leading causes of allergic reactions. There are ways to keep your world clear.

“If you have sort of a low range of those symptoms, a daily allergy pill is really good,” said Lamb.

“They’re going to minimize all of those symptoms, you don’t necessarily want to go straight to Benadryl, it’s going to make you totally sleepy but if you have a rash or hives that’s a better option if you actually need to treat an allergic reaction.”

Avid green thumbs who battle seasonal allergies can still enjoy the outdoors.

Rick Van Duyvendyk has been in the plant business for the last 40 years. He says more and more people are coming in asking what flowers to stay away from with their allergies.

“Usually the bigger the flower and the more colourful the flower, the less scent they give off for allergies, a lot of the light green to white flowers will give off more scent,” said Van Duyvendyk, the owner of Dutch Growers.

“If you’re planting a new yard, your thinking about trees don’t put things like the birch tree or the ash or the poplar or willow, they will be the worse for your allergies.”

If allergies have put a damper on your spring in the past, the experts say to identify what ails you and take the necessary steps to minimize their effects.