Autumn is around the corner — and so are seasonal allergies. Here's how to tackle them
CTV
As trees release their final flurry of pollen into the air, mould spores and dust mites peak, signalling the start of autumn, the battle against seasonal allergies begins. It’s a familiar saga that many are gearing up to face with tissues in hand.
As trees release their final flurry of pollen into the air, mould spores and dust mites peak, autumn is coming and the battle against seasonal allergies begins. It’s a familiar saga, one that many are gearing up to face with tissues in hand.
Similarly to spring, fall seasonal allergies are triggered by external factors called allergens. In the spring it is due to trees, in the early summer months allergies are mostly active due to the pollen bloom in grass. In the fall, it’s mostly due to ragweed, a common lawn weed that grows predominantly in southern Ontario and Quebec.
“It's interesting that we're having this conversation kind of later in the summer. But I think this is kind of the last [part],” Toronto-based pharmacist John Papastergiou told CTVNews.ca on Tuesday.
Canadians are no strangers to seasonal allergies.
According to the Canadian Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Foundation, 25 per cent of the country's population has allergic rhinitis, also referred to as hay fever.
The most common symptoms for those prone to allergies are sniffles, sneezing and itchy eyes. Yet, some experience worse symptoms such as feeling unwell, a runny nose, watery eyes and a cough.
Papastergiou, who owns and operates four pharmacies in downtown Toronto, said he thinks symptoms and seasonal allergies are becoming worse and affecting more people, possibly due to climate change.
