Some people think pollen season begins in May. In many places it does. However, some trees actually begin pollinating as early as February or March in some areas.

As a general rule, plants that require pollination by bees or other insects are less likely to trigger allergic reactions. This is due to the fact that their pollen is sticky, heavy and doesn't travel long distances through the air.

The plants that are problematic are the ones that need wind to carry their pollen. The pollen can travel many kilometers/miles. They are often so small (micrometres) that they can easily be inhaled into the lungs.

Everyone assumes that seasonal allergy symptoms are always - sneezing, runny nose, swollen, itchy eyes/skin or sinus congestion. Sometimes if you have eczema, your symptoms can get worse. I heard of someone who only wet the bed in summer. Some people think they have a cold - but it's not a cold if it lasts for a few weeks.

For some people, rain provides relief. For other people, their symptoms get worse. If they get worse, mold may be an issue.

Sometimes people go for allergy testing but their test results come back negative. Allergists can't test for every single thing because they don't have every single thing. erratic weather patterns have allowed mold and pollens to be carried by the wind to regions where they don't normally belong. In such cases, collecting rain water in a cup may be helpful because when it rains, it captures and carries down whatever is in the air. A traditional allergist won't be able to use it for testing, but I am able to....Just bring me the sample at your appointment.

Christine