Seasonal allergies are getting worse, but newer medications could offer relief [Video]

Most people with seasonal allergies have likely noticed an uncomfortable trend over the past few years. In parts of Canada, allergy season not only seems to be lasting longer, it seems to be more intense.

Experts like Dr. Anne Ellis, chair of the department of allergy and immunology at Queen’s University, say the roughly one in five Canadians who experience respiratory allergies aren’t imagining things.

The past few years have brought some seasons with a lot more pollen than Canadians are used to, she told Dr. Brian Goldman, host of The Dose podcast.

“Definitely last year’s birch pollen season, and it looks like this year is going to be a doozy as well, has certainly been higher than we’ve seen in the last 10 years,” said Ellis.

Thankfully, newer medications and treatments, including allergy tablets that dissolve under the tongue, are offering seasonal sufferers more relief.