Saskatchewan residents dealing with seasonal allergies may notice symptoms changing as summer gives way to fall.
Dr. David Torr, a medical health officer with the Saskatchewan Health Authority and area department lead for Public Health and Preventive Medicine, says weather can influence the seasonal allergy picture.
Grass remains a potential trigger, particularly when it is being cut, while leaves and other outdoor material can contribute as the season changes.
“It’s variable. A lot of it depends on the weather,” Torr said.
Allergies aren’t always seasonal
Torr says it’s also important to distinguish seasonal allergies from allergens people can encounter throughout the year.
Dust mites and animal shedding can remain problems indoors, and those allergens may become more noticeable once people begin closing their windows and doors for the colder months.
That can result in more allergens becoming concentrated inside the home.
Torr says people can also use changes in their surroundings to help determine whether symptoms are allergy-related.
“If you move away from whatever is causing it, you’ll definitely see a reduction,” he said.
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Reducing exposure can help
Torr recommends reducing exposure to known triggers whenever possible.
For people who react to outdoor allergens, that can include being cautious around freshly cut grass or other known triggers.
“Changing clothes and washing them after spending time outside can also help prevent allergens from being brought indoors,” he said.
Over-the-counter antihistamines are another option, with Torr noting that non-drowsy varieties are generally preferred during the day.
Know when to seek help
Allergy symptoms can sometimes resemble those of a cold, but Torr says seasonal allergies tend to return whenever someone is exposed to the trigger.
More serious symptoms should not be ignored.
“Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, unusual weakness or worsening symptoms despite taking an antihistamine are reasons to seek medical attention,” Torr said.
For persistent or worsening allergies, a family physician can provide advice and potentially refer someone to an allergist.
Torr also recommends paying attention to the indoor environment, including cleaning carpets and considering air purifiers where appropriate.
He adds that people with seasonal allergies may even want to think twice before bringing certain flowers inside, as they can trigger symptoms.