Local Pharmacist, Nicole Taylor of Winkler Pharmacy, has noticed an increase in coughing this season, noting that it could be due to respiratory allergies. People that have had respiratory illnesses, including Covid-19, may be seeing a change in how they react to pollen as well as other allergens.

"Late April is when tree pollen tends to peak," explains Nicole Taylor, "Grass and weeds tend to be late May to mid-July and then again in the fall from mid-August to October."

According to Asthma Canada, respiratory allergies affect approximately one-in-five Canadians. Taylor says since allergies are quite common in asthma patients, symptoms can cause some confusion.

"Because those airways are all linked, sometimes it can be hard to differentiate the two. Whether you have a component of the twitchy airway that's part of your allergy symptoms. Because we know that when you're dealing with a lot of allergies, that can trigger asthma or lead to airway issues in some people. Because those airways are all linked, you tick off one part of the system it can definitely affect the other part."

No matter how well asthmatics control their condition, Taylor says any respiratory illness will make it worse.

"With any respiratory illness where you have done something that has aggravated the airways, that can have ongoing effects. We definitely have been seeing a lot of, not necessarily COVID-related illness lately, but all winter we've been struggling with this cough that lasts four months. That can affect how sensitive your airways are. If you suffer from allergies those airways are going to be more easily aggravated."

Taylor says they are still learning what the long-term repercussions of COVID will be.

Your local pharmacist can review any symptoms to determine their severity and provide the recommended action. 

In the meantime, for those who suffer from allergies, Taylor says the best approach, if possible, is prevention.

"Do what you can to manage your triggers. We certainly have a lot of tools in our chest to help manage the symptoms, to try and minimize your allergies, improve your quality of life and make the season less sneezy and watery for you. Reach out to your pharmacist or your doctor or other healthcare professional if you need help with your symptoms."


~With files from Connie Bailey~