Ottawa residents with seasonal allergies are having a rough go of it this spring, and experts say there's a good reason your eyes are watering and your nose won't stop running: a so-called 'pollen bomb' is in full effect across the region.
What Is a Pollen Bomb?
Normally, tree pollen releases in waves over the course of spring — alders go first, then maples, then birch and cedar, each at their own pace. That staggered schedule gives allergy sufferers a chance to breathe (literally) between peaks.
But this year, a colder-than-usual start to spring slammed the brakes on that process. Trees held back their pollen for weeks, waiting for the warmth they needed to release it. Then the temperatures climbed — and everything let loose at the same time.
The result? Birch, pine, maple, alder, and cedar pollen are all flooding the air simultaneously, creating what experts are calling a 'pollen bomb': a concentrated, overlapping surge that can be far more intense than what allergy sufferers typically experience.
Why It Hits Harder
For people who are only allergic to one or two tree species, a normal spring means a limited window of suffering. This year, even single-allergen sufferers are getting hit harder simply because the sheer volume of airborne pollen is so much higher. And for those allergic to multiple trees — a common situation — the overlapping season means there's no recovery period between triggers.
Allergy medications that work fine in a typical year may feel less effective simply because they're being overwhelmed by the volume of pollen in the air. Antihistamines and nasal sprays are still recommended, but doctors suggest starting them earlier and being consistent rather than waiting until symptoms are already bad.
Tips for Getting Through It
If you're struggling this season, here are a few ways to minimize your exposure:
- Check the pollen count daily — apps and weather sites often include pollen forecasts, and high-count days are worth staying indoors more.
- Keep windows closed during peak hours (typically mid-morning to early afternoon), when pollen counts are highest.
- Shower after being outside to rinse pollen off your hair and skin before it gets on your pillow.
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to reduce how much pollen reaches your eyes.
- Talk to a pharmacist or doctor if over-the-counter options aren't cutting it — prescription nasal corticosteroids can make a significant difference.
When Will It End?
Tree pollen season in Ottawa typically wraps up by late spring or early June, when grass pollen takes over as the main culprit. Given that the tree season started late this year, it may also run a bit longer into June before the worst of it passes.
The silver lining, if there is one: grass pollen season should follow a more normal timeline, giving anyone who made it through the tree bomb a relatively standard summer allergy window.
Until then, stock up on tissues, keep the Reactine handy, and know you're not alone — Ottawa's parks and sidewalks are looking unusually yellow for a reason.
Source: CBC Ottawa
