As pollen season begins, Asthma Canada is calling on the nearly 4 million people living with both asthma and hay fever to stay vigilant in managing their conditions.

In Canada, it is estimated that 1 in 4 people live with hay fever. For people living with asthma and hay fever, poorly controlled hay fever can trigger life-threatening asthma symptoms and attacks. Managing hay fever is an essential part of maintaining good asthma control, staying safe, and enjoying a good quality of life.

“Living with both asthma and allergies can be especially challenging during pollen season,” said Tristan Joseph, who lives with both asthma and allergies. “When my hay fever flares up, it often makes my asthma symptoms worse, so staying on top of both is essential. It’s not just about comfort, when symptoms aren’t well controlled, it can impact your ability to work, be outside, and live your daily life. Managing hay fever is a key part of keeping my asthma under control and avoiding a serious asthma attack.”

The exact timing of high-allergen seasons will vary depending on the local climate, geographic location, and weather patterns, but in most regions of Canada it follows this general trend: tree allergens are most common in the spring, grass pollens in the summer, and ragweed pollens in the fall.

Eight Tips for People Living with Asthma & Hay Fever This Pollen Season

1. Check the pollen forecast – Monitor daily pollen levels in your area and limit outdoor activities on high pollen days, especially in the early morning.
2. Protect the air in your home – Keep windows closed, use an air purifier with a HEPA filter, and clean surfaces regularly to reduce indoor pollen exposure.
3. Shower and change clothes after being outside – Pollen can stick to skin, hair, and clothing, prolonging exposure.
4. Avoid drying laundry outside – Outdoor clothes and bedding can collect pollen.
5. Wear sunglasses outdoors – Sunglasses help reduce pollen exposure to the eyes.
6. Take medications as prescribed – use your preventer inhalers and allergy medications regularly, and talk to your doctor about any new allergy treatments that may be available to you.
7. Carry your reliever inhaler – Always have a reliever inhaler on hand in case symptoms flare due to pollen exposure.
8. Review your Asthma Action Plan – Make sure your plan is up to date, understand your triggers, and know what steps to take if your asthma worsens during pollen season.

“With 80% of people living with asthma also experiencing hay fever, we know that pollen season can be a particularly challenging time for the asthma community,” said Jeffrey Beach, President & CEO of Asthma Canada. “If you need support, our bilingual Asthma & Allergy HelpLine connects you with Certified Respiratory Educators who can answer your questions and provide guidance on managing asthma and allergies. Call 1‑866‑787‑4050 or email info@asthma.ca to get help.”