Metro Vancouverites grapple with spring allergy season

Runny nose? Itchy eyes? Sneezing? Spring allergy season is upon us in Metro Vancouver.

Dr. Amin Kanini, a Vancouver specialist in allergy and clinical immunology, tells CityNews spring allergies generally start with tree pollen season which was a bit delayed this year because of the cold weather at the end of February.

“So trees generally start to pollinate once the temperatures above zero degrees. So we are starting to see that now. Predominant trees that cause allergies in B.C. are alder, birch, oak, cottonwood and willow as well,” he said.

Read More: Rainy spring helps temper some people’s allergy symptoms: doctor

He says data from the last few decades suggests climate change has more of us suffering allergy symptoms.

“We are seeing that the pollen seasons are starting earlier and we’re getting a higher pollen count. So, we are seeing an increase in allergies that could be partially due to climate change,” Kanini explained.

He adds if you are experiencing symptoms, there are a couple of things that you can do.

“So our first step is identifying what you’re allergic to. Second step is if you can minimize exposure, that’s great,” he said. “Because pollen is very difficult to avoid, the next several days is treatment with some form of medication. If you’re mild symptoms, you could just get away with doing a simple saltwater rinse in the nose and taking a non-sedating antihistamine on an as-needed basis.”

Vancouverites already feeling allergy season

CityNews hit the streets of Vancouver to see how people are feeling now that allergy season has begun.

“I feel like I’ve had a persistent runny nose for the last week,” said Valerie. “They’re relatively annoying. Today was actually the first day where I thought I might actually go out and get some antihistamine.”

Reeh says her symptoms can be quite intrusive.

“My eyes can’t open, something like that. Sometimes rashes come out,” she said.

“I’ve got one runny nose and also teary eyes, and I sneeze a lot,” Jay said of her symptoms.

“Sometimes headache, especially sore throat – COVID-like symptoms,” noted James.

According to The Weather Network’s pollen report, Thursday’s pollen count was classified as “high”, while Friday and Saturday’s is being called “very high.”