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Dr. Marla
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Allergy season 101
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anadians patiently await warmer days, but for many, it heralds the onset of seasonal allergies; triggered by circulating pollen and mould spores. If you have an allergy, your body perceives the pollen as a foreign substance, prompting the immune system to defend itself.
In spring, alder, birch, oak, maple elm and poplar trees exacerbate symptoms. In May, grasses aggravate allergic folks and July begins ragweed season.
Weather and allergy season
Heavier than usual rains this year have encouraged the growth of allergy-causing trees and grasses. These plants depend on wind and temperature fluctuations to spread their spores, and concentrations of airborne pollen peak between 5 to 10 am. In wet, cool weather, pollen doesn’t move around as much, so allergies are not as bad, but as it gets warmer and drier it’s easier for spores to travel, elevating pollen counts.
In the cooler north, pollinating season starts later, while in warmer climates, pollination is year-round. Allergy season is getting longer, affected by global weather changes; ragweed flowering season is longer and extends further north. |
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Mould allergies
Moulds are everywhere, especially in damp areas abundant with soil, vegetation and rotting wood. These tiny mushroom-like fungi have no stems, roots or leaves and their spores float in the air like pollen. Outdoor mould spores increase with rising spring temperatures, peaking from July to October and year-round on the west coast. It’s helpful to know the pollen count in your living area and when you are traveling. theweathernetwork.com
Treatments range from over-the-counter antihistamines to prescription nasal and eye drops. In some cases, allergy shots or immunotherapy may be required. For asthma and allergy sufferers, maximize control with the variety of inhalers and oral medications. H&L |
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