When Alberta finally starts to thaw, many of us feel it in our lungs, not just our mood. As snow melts and pollen rises (often April through June), it’s common to notice coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, or shortness of breath, especially during spring clean-up season.
The tricky part? Allergies, asthma, allergy-triggered asthma, and post-viral airway irritation can look a lot alike.
This guide breaks down what’s most likely going on, when testing makes sense, and how ARC Network can help.
What’s causing my breathing symptoms?
Why allergies can feel like lung problems
Seasonal allergies (allergic rhinitis/hay fever) usually start in the nose and eyes, but they can still cause coughing and chest discomfort because postnasal drip and throat irritation can trigger a persistent cough.
On top of that, some people have allergic asthma, where allergens (like pollen or mould) can trigger lower-airway symptoms such as wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.
Why Alberta spring (April–June) is a prime trigger window
In Alberta, tree pollen can begin early in spring and continue into late spring/early summer depending on weather patterns (for example, alder and birch windows can extend into June in Edmonton-area pollen calendars).
For many people, that’s the exact period when symptoms escalate, especially when outdoor activity ramps up again.
Learn More About Allergy Testing
The four most common culprits (and how they “typically” feel)
Important: This is general education, not a diagnosis. If symptoms are severe or worsening, seek urgent medical care.
1. Seasonal allergies (upper airway dominant)
More likely if you have:
- Sneezing, itchy/watery eyes, runny or stuffed nose, scratchy throat
- Cough that feels like throat clearing or postnasal drip (often worse outdoors or on high-pollen days)
Less typical for “allergies only”: persistent wheezing and chest tightness (unless asthma is also involved).
2. Allergy-triggered asthma (allergic asthma)
More likely if you have allergies plus:
- Wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, or cough that worsens with pollen/mould exposure
- Symptoms that can flare during exercise, on windy days, or after yard work
Pollens, moulds, air pollution/smoke, and cold air are among the most common outdoor triggers.
3. Undiagnosed asthma
More likely if you notice patterns like:
- Recurring wheeze, chest tightness, or shortness of breath (sometimes worse at night or early morning)
- Cough that keeps showing up seasonally, with exercise, or in cold air
Good to know: Asthma can be triggered by allergens, cold air, exercise, stress, or respiratory infections, so spring can expose it even if you’ve never been diagnosed.
4. Post-viral airway irritation (post-infectious cough)
If you had a cold/flu/COVID and the cough just won’t quit, you may be dealing with a postinfectious (post-viral) cough, commonly defined as a cough lasting 3–8 weeks after a respiratory infection.
This can happen because the infection triggers inflammation and increased airway sensitivity, even after the virus is gone.
When to escalate: If cough lasts more than 8 weeks, it’s considered chronic and should be assessed further (often including lung function testing to rule out asthma/COPD).
Learn More About Lung Function Testing
Why cold spring air still matters (yes, even in April)
Cold air is a well-known asthma trigger, and Alberta’s “two seasons in one day” weather can irritate sensitive airways, especially during morning walks, outdoor workouts, or yard clean-up.
If you find symptoms are worse on brisk days, that’s a clue asthma (or airway hypersensitivity) could be part of the story.
Why symptoms often spike during spring yard clean-up season
Spring clean-up can be a perfect storm for airways because it increases exposure to:
- Pollen stirred up by mowing, trimming, and raking
- Mould spores from damp leaves, soil, compost, and thawing debris—another recognised asthma trigger
- Irritants like dust and smoke/air pollution that can aggravate symptoms
Practical ways to reduce exposure (without staying indoors all spring):
- Check pollen levels and plan outdoor chores accordingly (windy/dry days tend to be worse).
- Consider a well-fitting mask for dusty or mouldy tasks and change clothes/shower after.
- Keep windows closed on high pollen days and use indoor filtration/AC when possible.
When testing is worth it
If you’re wondering “Is this my allergies… or my lungs?” testing can reduce guesswork.
Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT)
PFTs measure how well your lungs move air and gases and are used to help diagnose conditions such as asthma and COPD and to investigate shortness of breath.
ARC performs pulmonary function testing at multiple locations including Edmonton-area sites, Sherwood Park, Spruce Grove, Red Deer, Calgary, and Camrose.
Allergy testing
Allergy testing helps identify which substances trigger allergic reactions, supporting a clearer plan for avoidance and treatment.
ARC offers allergy testing at Edmonton South and Calgary South East.
Respiratory consultation
ARC offers respiratory consultations with a specialist physician alongside diagnostic testing to help clarify symptoms and next steps.
Oxygen assessment
ARC provides oxygen services and assessments and is an approved home oxygen provider under Alberta AADL pathways (and supports private pay services as well).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can allergies cause wheezing?
They can, especially in allergic asthma, where allergens such as pollen or mould can trigger asthma symptoms (wheeze, chest tightness, breathlessness).
How long is “normal” for a cough after a cold?
A postinfectious cough is commonly defined as lasting 3–8 weeks after a respiratory infection; if it lasts more than 8 weeks, further evaluation is recommended.
When should someone consider pulmonary function testing?
When symptoms suggest asthma/COPD, when shortness of breath is unexplained, or when cough is persistent and needs objective assessment—PFTs help measure lung performance and support diagnosis.
Where does ARC offer allergy testing?
ARC provides allergy testing at our Edmonton South and Calgary South East locations.