15 Things That Could Be Triggering Your Allergies Right Now

The biggest culprit for allergies in Canada: Pollen and grass. A whopping 41 per cent of reported allergy cases in Canada were attributed to pollens or grasses, reports Statistics Canada. Allergy symptoms to pollen and grass are what you’d expect: Sneezing, stuffy nose and watery eyes. And for some — 63 per cent — have asthma, Stats Can acknowledges in the same report. The issue though is understanding the type of grass and pollen that triggers your allergies, as there are many types of grass and pollen, and you can be allergic to more than one or more type. Only an allergy test can really determine the allergen.

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Allergic to weather? Who doesn’t want to avoid less than sunny weather. But spring weather can be a big trigger for allergies and its symptoms. No matter where you live in Canada. The weather affects the growth and movement of pollen, which can increase your exposure to allergens like grass and pollen. A windy day, means more pollen travelling in the air. For some a rainy day can be a reprieve from allergy symptoms, but others find that right after the pollen concentration is higher allergic reactions feel worse than a typical day. Flip floppy spring weather, going from hot to cold and vice versa, can have an effect on breathing too, especially if you have asthma.

Check if your weather app has allergy notifications, too.

The next most common allergies reported by Canadians is allergies to animals (28.5%). How can something so cute cause so much trauma, like stuffy nose, sneezing, watery and itchy red eyes and even hives. Cat and dog dander are the most common animal allergies but you can be allergic to other pets, such as rodents and rabbits. Generally speaking, changing clothes and not permitting pets in the bedroom can help with symptoms. There are also pet-safe sprays for sofas and beds to deter your fur baby from jumping up and leaving hair behind.

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You don’t need to be exposed to a pet to exhibit symptoms of an animal allergy. If you’re allergic to animal dander, then sheep’s wool can trigger symptoms of irritated eyes, runny nose, and possibly a cough. If that’s you, avoid thin knits this season, and use a HEPA filter when vacuuming wool carpet when spring cleaning.

Anecdotally, the spring can be a time to discover allergies to medications, from spring cleaning your medicine cabinet to lifestyle/activity changes and more. Stats Can reports medication allergies next on its list at 28 per cent. In the medical world, drug allergies are called “adverse reactions” — and can include anything “from mild local discomfort to life-threatening systemic anaphylaxis,” reports the Institute for Safe Medication Practices Canada . Interestingly, Stats Can reports that medication allergies are more reported in women than men.

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Dust mite allergies are the next most common allergy, at 27 per cent, reports Stats Can. If you’re not a fan of bugs, you won’t want to search the Internet for images of dust mites. These microscopic creatures liven in bedding, carpets, curtains and furniture. Another gross fact? They feed off of dead skin that flakes off our bodies. Symptoms for an allergy to dust mites include: Sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy throat and/or eyes, and coughing. You can get the allergy symptoms treated, but you can also clean the dust mites away, too!

Food allergies can occur anytime of the year. But with the opening of farmer markets and the introduction of seasonal foods in the diet, the spring time is can be a time of discovery (or rediscovery of food allergies. The number one food allergy, according to the Government of Canada list, is peanuts. Next is tree nuts and then sesame seeds. And an allergic reaction to nut and seeds can vary depending on the severity of the allergy, from skin reactions (like hives and swollen lips), tightening of the throat and vomiting, to anaphylaxis which can cause death. If you suspect this allergy, it’s important to talk to your doctor before a severe reaction occurs.

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The dairy aisle can be a baker’s dream but it can also be a nightmare for those who are allergic. Milk and egg allergies are the next on the list from the Government of Canada. For those with milk and egg allergies, they may note symptoms like hives, wheezing, coughing, vomiting and swelling of the mouth. They can also become severe allergies, like nut and seed allergies, with anaphylaxis reactions. So be safe, and get diagnosed!

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Fish and seafood are the next most common food allergens. Like dairy and nuts and seeds, a shellfish and fish allergies can cause similar reactions, from hives to troubles breathing and swelling. But it can also cause the skin condition eczema/atopic dermatitis. Again, get diagnosed to avoid anaphylaxis. Fish can be found in some surprising foods, from Worchester sauce and Caesar dressing. So always check ingredient labels.

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Having a soy allergy can result in the same food reactions and symptoms we’ve already covered. Although a severe reaction like anaphylaxis is possible, the Mayo Clinic, suggests that it is rare. Again check labels, as many foods may surprise you to contain soy, including baked goods, soups and broth, cereal, canned tuna and health foods, like protein bars.

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Saying you’re allergic to wheat has been called a trend! While it’s not like the latest lipstick or shoes of the season, a wheat allergy is often confused with a gluten allergy. An allergist can determine if you’re allergic to wheat or the protein gluten that’s found in wheat, barley and rye. Check cosmetic and bath products for wheat on the ingredient list, as well as on food products.

Back to that Stats Can list — mould allergies are the next most common allergy reported by Canadians. Think your food has gone off, what’s the first thing you do? Smell it, and you could expose yourself to mould, and if you have an allergy that could result in wheezing, stuffy/runny nose, itchy/watery eyes and skin reactions. Also, mould exists everywhere, and the moisture that spring brings means that it peaks this time of the year outdoors and in the home. Check your home for water issues like leaks, flooding, and condensation. Your doctor may also get you to avoid “intentionally mouldy” foods, like cheese, mushrooms, yeast, sauerkraut, pickled foods, etc.

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While the name “chemical” may sound toxic or scary, it is defined as “Matter of constant composition best characterized by the entities (molecules, formula units, atoms) it is composed of,” in the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry Gold Book.

So essentially chemicals can be scientifically explained as stuff. So what does that mean to you if you’re having reactions? When we talk about chemical allergies, we’re talking about reactions to cigarette smoke, household cleaners, cosmetics, body products, pesticides, paint, caffeine and more. This can be harder to test for, but many people find that avoidance is better than treating symptoms. With chemical allergies, you may notice symptoms more on the skin with hives, itching and more.

If you’re wondering why you’re sneezing, have irritated watery eyes and more around midday, no matter what you expose yourself to, consider the pollution in where you live or work. Air pollution peaks around noon, suggests this research, which also confirms that allergic reactions to pollution can be worse for those with pollen allergies, too. Those with asthma will feel the effects of pollution as well.

Other than packing up and moving, you can check the weather app for smog alerts, plan outdoor activities in the morning or night, and follow the advice of your immunologist, too.

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If you’re not sure what you could suggest to your doctor what you may be allergic to, don’t beat yourself up about it. You could actually have multiple allergies. According to Stats Can, “Among allergy sufferers, roughly 3.6 million people (42.8%) reported being allergic to multiple allergens.” An allergy test can help narrow down the issues, and help you find the relief you need, and the information of what triggers to avoid.

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