Pollen Forecast

It’s finally spring, and a young man’s fancy turns to…allergies!

More than 25% of Canadians are affected by airborne allergies. Although pollens don’t “infect” us the way viruses do, the effects they have are much the same: runny nose, sneezing, cough and watery eyes. The reason that pollens and viruses behave similarly is that both are tiny airborne particles that trigger an immune response. Of course, allergies don’t cause fevers or body aches the way viral infections do, but they can be just as annoying or debilitating.

Allergy season begins in March or April in Canada, with trees budding and liberating pollen first, then grasses in May and June, and finally flowering weeds like ragweed and goldenrod in August and September.

Pollen granules are small enough to even enter the lungs, where they can cause worsening symptoms in people with asthma. Treating allergies can sometimes help to improve asthma symptoms.

Antihistamines are the mainstay of allergy treatment. Histamine is the chemical that’s released by your immune system in response to invaders like pollens and viruses. There are many on the market, some that are long-acting, some that cause less drowsiness, and some that include other components, like decongestants, to help to reduce nasal stuffiness. Eye drops can reduce redness and irritation, and prescription medications can help further in some cases.

Allergy shots are better termed “desensitization therapy”. Beginning at a very low concentration, the offending pollen molecule is injected under the skin, to get the body’s immune system “used to” the allergic agent. The concentration is increased slowly, and essentially the body stops reacting to the pollen. Shots used to be given year-round, but now there are shots that can be given just a few times each year, just prior to the season when the allergies are worst.

But the best treatment for allergies is avoidance. For those people who have very bad allergies, watching the pollen report and avoiding prolonged outdoor activity on those days can be helpful.

Of course, wanting to avoid allergies has to be balanced off against wanting to finally get outside after a long, harsh winter.

So don’t forget your tissues and enjoy the sunshine!

Remember that articles like this are never a substitute for a visit with a health professional.

Dr. Grant Lum is a sports medicine physician in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He is a consultant for the National Hockey League Players’ Association, and a Lecturer at the University of Toronto, in the Faculty of Medicine. He is the medical director and founder of Athletic Edge Sports Medicine. You can find out more about his practice at www.drgrantlum.com.