Allergies! Six tips to get you through the Pollen Vortex

Allergy experts in Canada and the United States are warning that we could be heading into one of North America’s worst allergy seasons in memory.

A combination of factors – including a cold, snowy winter and a delayed spring – means that all the season’s pollen could arrive at once instead of the usual staged release by different tree species and grasses.

For Ontarians with allergic asthma, the high pollen count means breathing difficulties on top of the usual misery of watery eyes, itchy throat and sneezing.

Here are six tips from the Ontario Lung Association to help you get through the allergy season.

1. Plan your day to avoid peak pollen. Levels are higher in the morning and when it is hot, dry, sunny and windy.

2. Check pollen levels and forecasts regularly. The Weather Network and its website – www.weather.ca – provide pollen forecasts for major centres.

3. Try to stay indoors when pollen levels are high and keep your home and car windows closed. Ask someone else to do the gardening and outdoor chores until the pollen count falls.

4. Pollen accumulates on clothes hanging outside to dry. Hang clothes indoors or use a dryer.

5. If you’ve been outside when the pollen count is high, take a quick shower to wash it off and change into fresh clothes.

6. If you’re planting trees on your property, remember that it’s the male trees that produce pollen and make life miserable for people with allergies.

For information about dealing with allergies or any other lung health issue, speak to a Certified Respiratory Educator on The Lung Association Lung Health Information Line at 1-888-344-LUNG (5864) or email [email protected].