For some people, the end of summer means the return of seasonal allergy symptoms.
With mid- to late August marking a peak period for some late-summer allergens, Dr. Ashok Chhetri, a medical health officer with the Saskatchewan Health Authority, says people who are sensitive to pollen may be noticing their symptoms more often.
Hay fever, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, is an allergic reaction to airborne allergens, primarily pollen. While it can feel similar to a cold, Chhetri says there are some important differences between the two.
Recognizing the symptoms
Hay fever primarily affects the eyes and nose, with common symptoms including sneezing, itching and a runny nose.
Unlike many viral illnesses, hay fever typically does not cause a fever or generalized body aches.
Another difference is how long symptoms can stick around.
“A typical viral cold usually improves within a week,” Chhetri said.
Allergy symptoms, on the other hand, can continue for weeks or return throughout the pollen season as people are repeatedly exposed to the allergen triggering their symptoms.
Chhetri also notes that nasal discharge associated with allergies is typically clear and watery, which can help distinguish it from some respiratory infections.
However, respiratory viruses continue to circulate during the summer, meaning not every case of sneezing or a runny nose is necessarily caused by allergies.
Common cold viruses can circulate during the late summer, while illnesses such as influenza, COVID-19 and RSV become more prominent as the fall and winter seasons approach.
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Late summer brings different allergens
According to Chhetri, mid- to late August is when ragweed and other late-summer pollens typically become more prominent triggers.
People who are sensitive to ragweed may therefore notice their symptoms becoming more noticeable around this time of year.
He also says there is evidence that pollen seasons have been becoming longer and more intense in recent years.
As a result, some people may find their symptoms begin earlier or last later than they remember from previous years.
The intensity of symptoms can also depend on where someone is spending time.
Chhetri says environmental factors and a person’s history of exposure can play a role in the development of allergies, and sensitivities can change throughout a person’s life.
Limiting exposure to pollen
One of the first steps people can take is keeping an eye on the local pollen forecast.
Chhetri recommends that people who know they are sensitive to pollen use the forecast to plan their outdoor activities, particularly when pollen levels are high.
Limiting time outdoors during high-pollen periods can help reduce exposure, especially on dry and windy days when pollen can be more easily dispersed.
There are also simple steps people can take once they come back inside.
Showering and changing clothes after spending time outdoors can help remove pollen that may have collected on the body or clothing.
Keeping windows closed can also reduce the amount of pollen entering the home.
For people spending time in their vehicles, Chhetri recommends using the recirculation setting rather than continuously drawing outdoor air into the vehicle.
Managing allergy symptoms
For people who are already experiencing symptoms, over-the-counter medications can provide relief.
Chhetri says non-drowsy antihistamines, including cetirizine and fexofenadine, can help manage symptoms such as sneezing, itching and a runny nose.
Nasal sprays and antihistamine eye drops can also be used to target specific symptoms.
Because everyone’s situation is different, Chhetri says pharmacists can be a useful resource for people looking for advice about managing seasonal allergies.
People can also speak with their family doctor if symptoms are persistent or more difficult to manage.
When allergies become more disruptive
While seasonal allergies can often be managed with avoidance measures and over-the-counter treatments, Chhetri says there are situations where people should seek additional medical advice.
If allergy symptoms are interfering with sleep or daily activities, it may be time to speak with a health-care professional.
He also highlights the connection between allergies and asthma.
Allergic rhinitis and asthma can occur together, and poorly controlled allergy symptoms can be associated with poorer asthma control.
For people experiencing both allergy symptoms and difficulty controlling their asthma, Chhetri recommends speaking with a doctor about whether allergy testing or a referral to an allergist may be appropriate.
Testing can help identify specific triggers, which may include pollen or other allergens.
Allergies can change over time
Having the same reaction to the same allergens throughout life is not necessarily guaranteed.
Chhetri says allergies can become better or worse over time, with environmental factors and a person’s exposure history playing a role.
That can also mean someone may experience symptoms when visiting a different region where they encounter allergens that are not as common where they normally live.
For those dealing with hay fever this time of year, Chhetri’s advice is simple: keep an eye on the pollen forecast and use that information to help limit exposure when levels are high.
With late-summer pollen now becoming a more prominent trigger, taking a few preventative steps can help people manage their symptoms while still enjoying the final weeks of summer.