Why do seasonal allergies feel worse this year?

People who suffer from seasonal allergies may be dealing with some severe symptoms this year. CTV’s Karis Mapp explains why.

If you feel like your seasonal allergies have been worse than usual this year, you’re not alone.

Researchers with Aerobiology Research Laboratories say unpredictable spring weather dating back to March is part of the reason.

“We got a little bit of nice weather, a little bit of pollen started flying and then it got cold,” explained Daniel Coates, director of the research company.

Due to the lingering cold weather, early pollinators such as maple and willow trees were delayed. Now, other pollinators are starting their season as well.

“We’re actually having a collision of early pollinators still in the air, colliding with more mid-April, late April/May type pollinators like birch and oak,” Coates said.

“We’ve actually seen a doubling of pollen across Canada since we started monitoring pollen in 1992.”

Seeking relief

The unusual pollination season is keeping local pharmacies busy as people look for relief from severe allergy symptoms.

“We’ll start to see a surge of people coming in as soon as the mild weather hits when their allergy symptoms start,” Connie Phillion, the owner and pharmacist of Doon Mills Pharmacy in Kitchener, said.

“Most people are bothered with sneezing, itchy eyes, [and are] really congested.”

With more pollen released by male trees, municipalities may also unknowingly be playing a part in the worsened allergy season.

“Cities like to plant a lot of male trees because they don’t produce the fruit or flowers that female trees do,” said Cotes. “They don’t have to clean up as much or spend as much money tidying up parks and street ways.”

Best and worst places for allergy sufferers

Coates and his team have ranked the best and worst places to live in Canada for people who suffer with seasonal allergies.

The Maritimes topped the list due to its rocky conditions, meaning there isn’t as much pollen there.

Coates told CTV News, Waterloo Region would fall around the eighth position.

“The worst places are actually all around Kitchener to one degree or another. Windsor is the worst place in Canada if you have a pollen allergy, followed by Hamilton, Barrie and Kingston,” he said.

With plenty of pollen swirling around the region, pharmacists are recommending some means for relief.

“Corticosteroid nasal spray, that’s generally my first go-to to get the most symptom relief for the patient,” Phillion said.

“Then we can go with eyedrops if it’s just allergies bothering the eyes. Or, if they don’t want to use a nasal spray, we could also go with just a tablet as well.”

Experts say the most important part in battling allergies is actually knowing what you’re allergic to.

“Contact your doctor and then get in touch with an allergist. From there, find out when those pollen types or spore types that you are allergic to are in air,” said Coates.

He and his team have also developed the ‘Allergy Sufferers’ app which generates detailed pollen forecasts and helps track symptoms.