Late spring creates seasonal allergy nightmare for some in Quebec

Late springweather in Quebec has led to a harderallergy season forthose who react strongly to multiple types of pollen.

Tree allergies typically flare up in April and May in the province. Then grassallergies kick into high gear come May and June.

This year, everything seems to be happening at once, according to Dr. Jesse Schwartz, an allergist at Montreal's Jewish General Hospital.

"Many patients are allergic to multiple different allergens like grass, ragweed, trees,"Schwartz told CBC Montreal's Daybreak."Because of the longer winter, we may have those happening at the same time for some patients."

They typically suffer from runny, itchy eyes and nasal congestion, Schwartz explained.

Patientsmay experience seasonal allergy symptoms all the way through the warmer months until the first frost, he said.

How to relieve allergies

There are ways to fight allergy symptomswith or without medication, said Schwartz.

"Keep the windows closed so pollen isn't entering the house," he said.

"There are also nasal saline rinses which you can go to a pharmacy to purchase those. It's important to remember to boil the water and let it cool before use."

There are also various medications like antihistamines and nasal steroids, Schwartzsaid.

There are other techniques an allergist can prescribe, he said, but it is a "trial and error process."

Allergies typically develop early in life, but people candevelop them later as well.

Respiratory allergies such as allergic rhinitis affect onein fiveCanadians, according to Asthma Canada, a volunteer-driven charity devoted to enhancing the quality of life for people living with asthma and respiratory allergies.

The charity says 75 per cent of asthma patients also have seasonal allergies and seasonal allergies tend to make asthma worse.And 80 per cent of people with asthma also suffer from allergic rhinitis or sinusitis, it says.

A common seasonal allergen is ragweed. The government of Quebec recommends pulling out or mowing the plant on personal property. There are efforts in towns and cities like Montreal to limit its growth.