Pesky tree pollens, mould spores have seasonal allergies surging 

The grass is getting green and everything is beginning to blossom but pesky tree pollens and mould spores have many feeling under the weather.

Spring sniffles are surging as allergy season hits.

Tree pollen is high right now, with poplars and pines releasing large amounts into the air.

Dust and mould are also prevalent.

The highest levels of pollen usually happen between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., during the warmest hours and when the wind is more likely to pick up.

The recent rain has also increased pollen levels because it opens and breaks up spores.

About a quarter of the population experiences allergies, and according to a recent study by Reactine, two-thirds of people don’t feel their allergy symptoms are taken seriously.

“There’s some data that says if you have poorly controlled seasonal allergies, it’s going to affect your ability to function at work. It’s going to affect your sleep,” said Dr. Stephanie Liu, family physician.

“For a child, it’s going to affect their school performance and their ability to perform well in sports.”

Climate change is also impacting pollen.

“In general, it’s getting warmer from year to year. There’s more release of CO2 and that leads to higher levels of pollen being released year to year and the allergy season lasting longer, too,” Liu said.

Allergies happen when antibodies recognize benign things like pollen or food as being invaders that don’t belong in the immune system.

“Your immune system starts to attack them, no different than it would an infection or a virus that doesn’t belong there,” said Dr. Mariam Hanna, allergist and clinical immunologist.

To combat allergies, make sure to wash your hands and face after coming inside.

You can also close your windows during peak pollen hours.

There are over-the-counter options like pills, nasal sprays and eye drops available.

If you’re struggling, Hanna recommends speaking to a physician about your symptoms.