SEASONAL ALLERGY PEAK TIMES

WHAT CAUSES SEASONAL ALLERGIES?

Pollen particles are extremely small, nearly imperceptible to the naked eye. After being released by plants, they linger in the air for a period, making it possible to inhale them. For individuals with pollen allergies, this exposure can induce allergic reactions and associated symptoms within a few hours.

WHICH PLANTS CAUSE SEASONAL ALLERGIES?

The distribution of these tree species in Canada varies, with some being widespread throughout the country, except Nunavut, while others are region-specific. For example, white birch can be found in every province and territory, whereas white ash is primarily present in eastern Canada, and Douglas maple is most prevalent in Western Canada.

In addition to various wild grasses, lawn grasses commonly encountered, such as Bermuda grass, ryegrass, and bluegrass, can also trigger seasonal allergies.

One of the most significant culprits for seasonal allergies is ragweed, a type of weed widespread across Canada, known for its prolific pollen production. Remarkably, a single ragweed plant can disperse over a billion pollen grains in a single season! Notably, one in five Canadians experiences allergic reactions to ragweed pollen.

WHEN IS POLLEN SEASON AND HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?

Pollen makes its presence known in the air as trees stir in early spring and persists until the autumn frost brings an end to the last ragweed plants in most provinces.

However, the precise timing of pollen release varies from plant to plant and place to place in Canada, influenced by the diverse climate conditions. In milder regions of Canada, some trees might start releasing pollen as early as January or February, while ragweed plants can extend their pollen production into December. In northern areas, pollen production may commence later and be of shorter duration.

As a rule of thumb:

• Tree pollen season initiates in early spring and continues into the early summer.
• Grass pollen season begins in late spring and extends into September.
• Ragweed season kicks off in August and persists until the initial frost.

The length of allergy season hinges on the specific pollen to which you are allergic. If your allergies are tied to a single plant, your symptoms will coincide with its pollen release, such as in April and May for particular trees. However, if you have allergies to various plants, your symptoms may span multiple months when their pollen seasons overlap or occur at different times throughout the year.

HOW CAN I REDUCE MY EXPOSURE TO POLLEN?

The most effective strategy to prevent allergic reactions is to minimize exposure to the allergens causing your symptoms. While it’s challenging to completely avoid pollen, especially during allergy season, you can take steps to reduce your contact with it.

Pollen concentrations are typically higher in the morning and on hot, windy, and rain-free days. Conversely, they tend to be lower on cooler, wet days. Many weather forecast services provide pollen information, such as pollen forecasts or allergy outlooks, which can help you plan outdoor activities. However, these forecasts may not always be precise, as they rely on data from reporting stations that might be distant from your location.

Beyond adjusting your outdoor plans based on pollen levels, there are additional ways to limit your pollen exposure:

• Keep doors and windows of your home and car closed to prevent pollen from entering.

• If you have an air exchanger, regularly clean the filters to block pollen from infiltrating your home.

• After spending time outdoors, take a shower or bath to remove any pollen that might have settled on your hair, skin, or clothes. Change into fresh clothing and shoes.

• Use a vacuum cleaner equipped with HEPA filters to capture fine pollen particles that may have entered your home. Be sure to replace the filters regularly.

• Avoid air-drying your clothing or bedding outside.

• If you’re allergic to grass pollen, delegate lawn mowing and yard work to someone else.

• Learn to identify ragweed and remove it before it flowers.

• Practice regular nasal hygiene by using a saline solution to clear any pollen that may have entered your upper respiratory tract.