Experts warn this spring could be one of the worst in recent memory for allergy sufferers, with pollen levels spiking up to 40 times higher than usual in parts of Canada.

Allergist and immunologist Dr. Amin Kanani said the West Coast is generally hit first, and warming weather has already sent pollen counts soaring in Vancouver.

Making matters worse, B.C. is the only province brimming with alder trees, which Kanani said release particularly potent pollen known to flare up allergies.

“Alder pollen counts in B.C. are extremely high,” he said. “When you measure them they’re in the thousands as opposed to other tree pollens, which are in the tens or hundreds.”

Levels dip back down during periods of heavy rain, he added. Other problem trees in Vancouver that start shedding pollen in early spring are birch, oak, maple and willow.

Huge pollen spikes are also predicted in parts of the country pummeled by the “polar vortex.” Long winters generally result in plants playing catch-up, a response that’s already being dubbed the “pollen vortex” this year.

Kanani said climate change is only going to make the allergy situation worse and more widespread.

“The prediction with global warming is you get more biomass – more plants grow – and some of these allergenic plants like alder will start to grow in areas where they don’t normally,” he said.

Allergy sufferers are advised to use anti-histamines, eye drops and nasal sprays to combat their symptoms.

Taking Vitamin D is also believed to help balance out the immune system, as is eating fermented foods with immune-balancing probiotics.

Another strategy is administering small amounts of allergens to help build immunity over time.

"The classic way this has been done is allergy shots, which involves a time commitment,” Kanani said.

“A newer way coming out is sublingual immunotherapy, where you actually take a tablet under the tongue that contains the pollen protein."

Tablet therapy is only currently available for grass pollens, he added, but is expected to expand to others soon.

With a report from CTV Vancouver’s Peter Grainger