Allergy Season Survival: How Long Do Seasonal Allergies Last?

According to the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (CSACI), around a quarter of Canadian residents experience seasonal allergies. Seasonal allergies are caused by the body's immune system reacting to things in the air, like pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, as well as mold.

Understanding seasonal allergies is important for those who suffer from them. We'll answer the question of how long do seasonal allergies last, plus some tips for getting through allergy season.

What Causes Seasonal Allergies?

Seasonal allergies are caused by the body's reaction to certain substances in the air, especially during different times of the year. The main contributors are pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. When these plants release pollen, usually during spring, summer, and fall, it can trigger allergy symptoms in people who are sensitive to it.

Mold spores are another common cause of seasonal allergies. Mold grows in damp places and releases spores into the air, especially during warm, wet weather. Dust mites and pet dander can also cause allergy symptoms in some people, but they are less common triggers than pollen and mold.

When someone with seasonal allergies breathes in these substances, their immune system overreacts and releases chemicals like histamine. This causes the annoying symptoms of sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, and a runny, itchy nose.

When Does Allergy Season Start and End?

Spring allergy season, which starts in March and goes until June, is caused by tree pollen. Different types of trees pollinate at different times, so you may notice your symptoms come and go throughout the spring. Maple, alder, birch, cedar, and oak trees are common culprits.

Summer allergy season, from May to August, is triggered by grass pollen. Grasses like timothy, orchard, and Kentucky bluegrass are frequent causes of summer allergies in Canada. The peak of grass pollen season is usually in June and July.

Fall allergy season, from August to November, is mostly caused by weed pollen and mold spores. Ragweed is the biggest problem, with its pollen levels highest in late August and September. Mold spores can be an issue year-round, but levels are highest in the fall.

Keep in mind that allergy seasons can overlap and the start and end dates can vary from year to year depending on weather patterns and climate. People who live in different parts of Canada may also notice their allergy seasons start and end at slightly different times.

Paying attention to pollen and mold counts in your local area can help you anticipate when your symptoms are likely to flare up.

Common Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

Most people's least favorite part of having allergies would probably be the annoying seasonal allergy symptoms. When you have seasonal allergies, you'll probably experience some of these common ones:

• Sneezing
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Runny, itchy nose
• Nasal congestion
• Coughing
• Sore throat
• Fatigue

The severity of symptoms can vary from person to person and may change depending on how much you're exposed to your allergy triggers. If your symptoms are really bad or last more than a couple of weeks, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor.

How Long Do Seasonal Allergies Last?

The length of allergy season and seasonal allergy peak time depends on where you live in Canada and what type of pollen or mold you are allergic to. In most parts of the country, allergy season starts in the spring with tree pollen, then shifts to grass pollen in the summer, and ends with weed pollen and mold in the fall.

For Canadians with spring allergies, symptoms usually begin in March and last until June. Summer allergy sufferers tend to have issues from May through August. And for those with fall allergies, the sneezing and sniffling often starts in August and continues until November.

Remember, in some areas, allergy seasons can overlap. For example, tree pollen may still be high when grass pollen starts to appear. This can make symptoms last even longer. The amount of rain and humidity in a given year can also affect pollen and mold levels, extending or shortening allergy season.

Factors That Affect Allergy Season Duration

Milder winters and earlier springs lead to longer allergy seasons, especially on the West Coast. Wet weather promotes mold growth, while dry, windy days cause pollen levels to spike.

Allergy season is worse when allergen levels are high. Pollen counts peak in the morning on warm, dry, windy days. Mold spores increase on damp, cloudy days.

People are more allergic to certain allergens than others. Allergies often worsen with repeated exposure over time. Newcomers to an area may have milder symptoms than long-time residents.

Tips for Surviving Allergy Season

There are some easy things you can do to make allergy season more bearable:

• Avoid your triggers as much as possible - try to limit time outdoors, especially in the morning when pollen counts are highest (wear a mask outside)
• Use over-the-counter antihistamines or nasal sprays to relieve symptoms like sneezing and itchy, watery eyes
• Rinse your nasal passages with a saline spray or rinse to wash away pollen and keep your nose moist
• Keep windows closed and use air conditioning to filter out pollen and allergens
• Take a shower after being outside to wash pollen off your body and hair
• Vacuum and clean frequently to reduce indoor allergens like dust and pet dander

Making some simple changes to your routine and using medication can help you manage allergy symptoms. But if symptoms are severe or don't improve, talk to your doctor.

Find Relief With Seasonal Allergy Management

Seasonal allergies can be a real pain to deal with. Knowing how long do seasonal allergies last and how to survive the season can bring lasting relief.

The good news is there are ways to manage your allergies and feel better. Try to avoid triggers, take allergy meds, and keep your home clean to reduce allergens inside. If your symptoms are really bad or don't get better with home treatment, it's a good idea to see your doctor.

If you'd like to order seasonal allergy medication online, PricePro Canadian Pharmacy can help. As a fully approved and verified PharmacyChecker.com source, you can trust that all of your meds are dispensed from local pharmacies. Contact us today to get started on an order.

Works Cited

• https://globalnews.ca/news/10333131/spring-allergy-season-canada-2024/#:~:text=About%20one%2Dquarter%20of%20Canadians,and%20Clinical%20Immunology%20(CSACI).
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24854-histamine
• https://www.pricepropharmacy.com/covid-vs-flu-symptoms-the-differences-and-similarities/
• https://www.pricepropharmacy.com/what-medications-can-you-order-from-a-canadian-online-pharmacy/
• https://www.pricepropharmacy.com/contact-us/