It's not just the weather that plays a role in how badly you'll suffer from itchy eyes and a runny nose during this allergy season -- pollution can also have an impact.
About 30 per cent of Canadians suffer from allergies to things they breathe and at least half are pollen allergies.
Allergist Dr. Donald Stark says the one thing that can make allergies worse is pollution.
"So people living near major roads where there are diesel trucks have a higher prevalence of allergy problems," he said.
That's because where there's smog there's a higher level of carbon dioxide in the air. It's that CO2 that helps plants, and pollen, thrive.
Certain areas of B.C.'s Lower Mainland are worse than others.
"Certainly the prevailing winds are blowing up the [Fraser] Valley, so the air pollution further up in the Lower Mainland could be a factor too," Stark said.
You can alter your activities to reduce your exposure to allergens, like closing windows at home or in the car and leaving the gardening to others.
You can find out the air quality health risk by logging onto Environment Canada's website.
"If one gets on top of the allergies, the additive effects of the pollution will perhaps be minimized as much as possible," Stark said.
Over-the counter treatments can work, including nasal sprays and decongestants.
Natural remedies like rinsing a saline solution through your nose, known as a neti pot, can also yield positive results.
Stark says in some cases patients will still need more potent prescription medications.
Allergy sufferer Rick Morgan now receives allergy injections to treat the misery of his symptoms.
"In general, it has improved probably 50 per cent over what it was last year," he said.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Dr. Rhonda Low
