Every spring, millions of Quebecers start sneezing, getting watery eyes, and having itchy noses again. Seasonal allergies affect about 20 to 25 % of the Canadian population, and Quebec is no exception.
This information is provided for educational purposes and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a doctor for any health concerns.
Seasonal allergies, often called hay fever or allergic rhinitis, are an immune system reaction to airborne allergens present at specific times of the year. In Quebec, the main spring triggers are tree pollen (birch, poplar, maple), typically active from April to June, outdoor molds that re-emerge after snowmelt, and grass pollen which starts circulating around late May.
Birch is one of the most potent allergens in Quebec. Its pollen is so light that it travels hundreds of kilometers, which explains why symptoms affect people even far from the trees.
Symptoms to recognize
Typical symptoms include frequent sneezing (often in bursts), a clear, watery nasal discharge, itchy nose, eyes, throat, or ears, red, watery, or swollen eyes, persistent nasal congestion, and fatigue due to sleep disturbances.
Unlike a cold, allergies generally do not cause fever or muscle aches. Allergy symptoms appear quickly upon contact with the allergen and last as long as exposure continues, sometimes for entire weeks. A cold usually lasts 7 to 10 days.
Why do symptoms vary from year to year
Several factors influence the amount of pollen in the air. A mild winter followed by a warm, dry spring can intensify pollen season. Windy days disperse more pollen, while rain temporarily reduces it. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, pollen seasons are now lasting longer than they did 30 years ago due to climate change.
How to relieve symptoms
Reducing contact with pollen remains the best approach. Check the daily pollen reports on Environment Canada's website. On days with high concentrations, stay indoors as much as possible, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Keep windows closed, use filtered air conditioning, and rinse your hair after being outdoors.
Regarding medications, several over-the-counter options are available. Second-generation oral antihistamines like cetirizine, loratadine, and fexofenadine reduce sneezing and itching with less drowsiness than older ones. Nasal corticosteroid sprays are most effective for congestion. Antihistamine eye drops help when the eyes are particularly affected. Ideally, start a few days before the season begins to prevent rather than react.
If over-the-counter medications aren't enough, if your symptoms significantly disrupt your sleep or quality of life, if you develop asthma or a persistent cough along with them, if you get recurring sinus infections, or if you're not sure it's actually allergies, it's worth consulting a doctor. A doctor can also discuss immunotherapy with you, a long-term treatment that can sustainably reduce your sensitivity to allergens.
Allergies in Children
Seasonal allergies also affect children, sometimes as early as 3 or 4 years old. In young children, they can resemble recurrent colds. If your child has recurring symptoms each spring, mention it to the doctor at their next appointment.
Our service points in Quebec offer consultations to evaluate and manage your seasonal allergies, treatment adjustments, allergology referrals, and diagnosis. In-clinic and teleconsultation services, covered by RAMQ and private services.
Omicron Clinic
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Treatment within 24-48 hours. In-clinic or telemedicine, anywhere in Quebec.
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