As spring allergy season spikes in B.C., doctor warns against one widely used medication

Pollen counts are up across B.C., leaving many dealing with sneezing and itchy eyes.

Springtime is bringing more than just blooming scenery across B.C. It’s also triggering a wave of allergy symptoms for many residents.

Experts say trees like alder and birch are a major source, releasing tiny grains of pollen into the air.

Daniel Coates, a director with Ottawa-based Aerobiology Research Laboratories, says his Vancouver pollen-collecting station recorded 9,000 grains since early March, the highest in Canada.

“Vancouver has the highest tree pollen count in the country,” said Coates. “What makes this year a little bit different is the fact that it did start a little bit earlier, and it went to high levels extremely quick.”

Coates believes a mild winter is driving the surge. Victoria also ranks near the top for pollen count, with around 7,000 grains recorded.

Locally, doctors say they are already seeing the impact.

“Definitely hearing more sneezing and sounds of the season,” said Dr. Angela Maccan, a pediatric allergist based in Port Moody.

She recommends common treatments such as antihistamines and nasal sprays, along with trying to minimize exposure by closing windows when indoors. However, she warns about the use of Benadryl and similar first-generation antihistamines.

“It comes with a lot of side effects,” said Maccan. “It can cross into the brain area and cause cognitive confusion and sleep problems. It might put you to sleep, but it actually really interrupts the quality of that sleep.”

For more severe cases, she says immunotherapy in shot or pill form may offer longer term relief.

“That really helps improve your immune system’s tolerance to the allergens, and it’s something you can talk to an allergist about.”

While Coates says this year’s pollen increase is not catastrophic, he does point to a concerning trend.

“It has been gradually increasing over the last 25, 35 years. And it is now double what we would have seen back in 1998,” said Coates.

Tree pollen season is expected to continue for the next few months before grass allergies begin to ramp up. Doctors expect more symptoms as the two seasons overlap in May.