Allergy season is about to ramp up
Posted May 5, 2017 6:59 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – The silver lining to the cold, stormy winter and early spring we had was that allergy season was delayed by weeks. But those itchy eyes, runny noses and sneezes are about to get much, much worse.
Dr. Joanne Yeung says that’s because now that temperatures are finally heating up. “Definitely, we’re going to see that seasonal allergies will come back with a vengeance.”
The paediatric allergist points out anyone who suffers from allergies to tree pollens has already been affected for a few weeks now but that’s going to ramp up with the sudden heat. “Grass pollen, which has yet to come, might soar higher than the counts that have been recorded in the previous seasons.”
However, Dr. Yeung has a tip to help reduce exposure. “Keep the windows closed in your car, as tempting as it is to roll them down. Turn on the air conditioner instead because that will filter out the pollen that enters your car.”
She adds the change to your allergies will likely happen this month. “Definitely by mid-May toward June, we’re going to see people who have grass pollen allergies have more symptoms and both the tree and grass pollens will likely stay high until the early summer.”
And if you have trouble with medications, she adds there are two new prescription antihistamines just on the market with less severe side-effects including drowsiness. Yeung says if you’re not sure what you can or should take, speak to either your doctor or pharmacist.
