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Seasonal Allergy Relief: How to Reduce Stuffy Noses, Itchy Eyes & Spring Symptoms

Relief for stuffy noses and itchy eyes

An allergy is a reaction that occurs when our immune system overreacts to something that isn’t usually harmful and causes unpleasant symptoms. There are different types of allergies, including food allergies, allergies to certain medicines, and allergies that affect the nasal passages and eyes. According to the Canadian Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Foundation, about 20% to 25% of the Canadian population has allergic rhinitis (also known as hay fever). Allergies can happen any time of the year, but airborne allergies are most common in the spring and summer when we spend more time outdoors, and there are more allergy triggers floating in the air for us to breathe in.

Rhinitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the lining of the nose. Not all rhinitis is caused by allergies, but someone with allergic rhinitis could be reacting to exposure to allergens (substances that trigger allergy symptoms) such as grass or tree pollen, ragweed, animal dander, dust mites, or mould spores. Common symptoms include an itchy nose and throat, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, ear blockage, and sometimes watery, red, itchy eyes.

Holistic Approach

The best way to prevent and treat airborne allergies like pollen or mould is to develop a holistic plan that includes both medications and lifestyle modifications. Don’t wait until you have symptoms to start making your plan. Start by having a consultation with your London Drugs pharmacist, who can work with you to create a plan that will help you manage your allergies and enable you to enjoy being outdoors.

Step one of your plan should be to try to identify the substances that trigger your allergy symptoms. If you cannot figure out what is causing your symptoms or if your symptoms are severe, your doctor can refer you to an allergy specialist for testing.

Step two is to determine which treatments would work best for you. Your pharmacist can help you understand what medications are available, how they work, and how to use them to get the best results.

Allergy Prevention

If your allergy is to pollen, try to limit your time outdoors when pollen counts are highest, usually between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m., and on dry, windy days. When you go inside after being outdoors, shower and change your clothes immediately to wash off the pollen that might be sticking to your skin, your hair, or your clothes. After laundering your clothes, do not hang them on an outdoor line to dry, because this will allow pollen to cling to the fabric.

Clean your home frequently and do not leave windows and doors open, as this allows pollen and other allergens to enter your home, where they can collect on carpets and furniture, exposing you to them for longer periods. Use an air conditioner and be sure to change the filter regularly and maintain it properly.

If you are allergic to indoor moulds or mildew, regularly clean surfaces where moisture collects, such as window frames, bathrooms, and bedroom corners, and keep your home’s humidity below 50%. A dehumidifier can help control moisture, limit mould and mildew growth, and reduce allergy symptoms.

Symptom Treatment

Sometimes, preventative measures are not enough to eliminate allergy symptoms. Fortunately, there are a number of medications that treat allergies in different ways. Your healthcare team can recommend products that would be best for you, but the chart below can serve as a general guide on what is available.

Allergy Medications – Which Categories Are They and How Do They Work

Antihistamines – Antihistamines block certain cells in the body from receiving histamine, a chemical released by the immune system that causes the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Corticosteroids – Corticosteroid sprays, also called glucocorticoid or steroid sprays, reduce inflammation in the nasal passages to ease allergy symptoms. When used regularly, they relieve nasal congestion and sneezing.

Leukotriene modifiers (tablets, granules) – Leukotriene modifier medications work by blocking leukotrienes – chemicals in the body that contribute to inflammation, airway narrowing, and mucus production.

Immunotherapy (tablets, injections) – Immunotherapy sublingual tablets (placed under the tongue) and allergy shots help train the immune system to become less reactive to allergens. Each dose contains a tiny amount of an allergen or mix of allergens — enough to train the immune system to recognize it, but not enough to trigger symptoms. As the dose gradually increases, the immune system becomes less reactive, and allergy symptoms improve over time.

Other ways you can help ease your discomfort from allergies include:

Saline nasal rinses – Using salt-water nasal spray or sinus rinse (such as a neti pot, rinse bottle, or nasal irrigation device) can help clear congestion and wash allergens out of your nasal passages.
Artificial tears or eye wash solutions – These can soothe dry, irritated eyes and help rinse out allergens.
Cool compress for the eyes – A clean, damp, cool washcloth placed over your eyes can reduce inflammation and itching.
Warm compress for the eyelids – A clean, damp, warm washcloth can help remove pollen from the eyelids and help soothe irritation.

Tip: Limiting the use of non-prescription eye drops for redness-relief is important. These products are meant for cosmetic use only, and some can cause rebound redness, where the eyes look even redder once you stop using them. Speak to a pharmacist for safer, long-term options to treat the underlying cause of your redness.

If you have any questions about seasonal allergies, allergic rhinitis, or allergic conjunctivitis (red eyes), your London Drugs pharmacists have the knowledge and experience to answer your questions and help you relieve the unpleasant symptoms. Many pharmacists can also prescribe medications to treat allergy symptoms. Ask at the pharmacy counter or visit londondrugs.com/prescribing for more information.

Enjoy the air this spring

An allergic reaction occurs when our body comes in contact with a substance that is generally considered harmless, but our immune system attacks it as if it were a harmful germ or virus. These allergy-triggering substances are known as allergens.

Some people have allergic reactions to allergens that are around all year—such as animal dander, foods, mould, dust, and certain medicines. Others are allergic to substances that only appear at certain times of the year—such as pollen, grass, and ragweed. Allergies that only cause symptoms at certain times of the year are called seasonal allergies.

The Sneezin’ Season

Seasonal allergies (which are also known as hay fever and allergic rhinitis) are usually worst in the spring and summer when plants are blooming and there is a lot more pollen in the air.
Common symptoms of seasonal allergies include:

Congestion
Coughing or the need to clear the throat
Dark circles under the eyes
Fatigue
Headache
Itchy eyes, nose, and throat
Post-nasal drip (fluid from the nose draining into the throat)
Runny eyes and nose
Sneezing

You don’t need to suffer just because you turned another page on your calendar. There are some simple steps you can take to minimize your exposure to the allergens that trigger your symptoms. For example, check your local news media or weather stations (TV, radio, newspaper, internet sites) to learn the current pollen levels in your area. When the pollen count is high, the following tips can help you prevent allergic reactions.

Stay indoors on dry, windy days. Try to schedule your outdoor activities after a good rain, which helps clear pollen from the air.
Whenever possible, avoid mowing the lawn or doing other gardening chores. If you have to do these chores yourself, wear a face mask while doing them.
When you go back inside, remove the clothes you were wearing and take a shower to wash the pollen from your skin and hair.
Don’t hang clothes outside to dry.
Use the air conditioning in your car and home instead of opening the windows.
Use high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters on forced air heating and air conditioning systems.
Use a dehumidifier to keep the air in your home dry.
Vacuum your floors frequently to remove pollen that has gotten tracked in from outside.

Treating Seasonal Allergies

Sometimes taking preventive measures isn’t enough, and you need to treat the allergy symptoms that you develop. Home treatment is generally all you will need to relieve your discomfort. For example, you can use a saltwater nasal wash to flush out the mucous and allergens and open your nasal passages. There are also prescription and nonprescription medications that can relieve some of the symptoms. For example:

Antihistamines can help relieve sneezing, a stuffy or runny nose, itching, and watery eyes.
Decongestants can provide temporary relief from nasal stuffiness. These drugs are sometimes used to treat a more severe stuffy nose.
Combination antihistamine and decongestant medicines can provide the benefits of both types of medication.
Corticosteroid nasal sprays can improve a range of symptoms by reducing swelling and mucus in the nasal passageways.
Cromolyn sodium nasal spray prevents the immune system from releasing the chemicals that cause the symptoms of seasonal allergies. It works best if you start the treatment before you are exposed to the allergens that trigger your symptoms.

It is always wise to check with your doctor or London Drugs pharmacist before starting a new medication to make sure that it is right for you and that it will not affect any other health conditions you may have or interfere with any other medications you are taking. If you know you will have allergies every spring, stock up early on preventative medications like antihistamines before you anticipate you will need them. Your pharmacist can also prescribe preventative or treatment medications for seasonal allergy symptoms such as eye drops, nasal sprays, or oral medications. Ask us, we are ready to help!

Advances in Allergy Management

Allergies are a common health issue, affecting millions of people worldwide. In fact, more than one-quarter of Canadians age 12 and older have been diagnosed as having allergies following testing with an allergist (a doctor specializing in diagnosing, treating, and preventing allergies).

There are various types of allergies, and they are classified by the type of substance that triggers the reaction. The most common types of allergies are respiratory allergies, food allergies, and skin allergies. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, with the potential to significantly impact a person’s quality of life.

What Is an Allergic Reaction?

An allergy is a sensitivity in a person’s immune system. After inhalation or contact with a substance that is normally considered harmless, these substances (known as allergens) trigger the body to release chemicals like histamine, causing various symptoms that are referred to as an allergic reaction.

Respiratory allergies can be triggered by airborne substances such as pollen, pet dander, and dust mites. These allergies cause symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and difficulty breathing.

Food allergies are triggered by over 170 different foods. Common food triggers include peanuts, shellfish, milk, and eggs. Food allergies can cause a range of reactions from a mild rash or stomach discomfort to shortness of breath or anaphylaxis (a severe reaction that can be life threatening). Often the first symptom of a food allergy is the appearance of a skin rash or development of itching or tingling in the mouth, lips, or throat immediately after eating the food the person is allergic to.
Skin allergies, such as eczema and contact dermatitis, typically result in itching, redness, and swelling. Common triggers include latex, pet dander, poison ivy, insects, certain drugs, some foods, or sun exposure.

Treating Allergies

Traditionally, treatment has been focused on preventing allergic reactions and managing symptoms when they do occur. However, advances in allergy management have led to the development of oral and sublingual (under the tongue) medicines and treatments that are applied to the skin.

Nonprescription drugs—including antihistamines, decongestants, and corticosteroid sprays and creams—are often the first medications used. For more persistent or severe allergies, prescription-strength medications may be needed.

Allergy shots are in a treatment category known as immunotherapy. Because injections are administered repeatedly over time, the immune system becomes less sensitive to the allergen in the injections, and the symptoms are reduced. This treatment involves regular weekly injections of small but slowly increasing doses of the allergen until a maintenance dose is achieved. Then the injections are often reduced to just once a month. This method takes time and patience, but the relief from allergy symptoms can last for several years.

In recent years, there have been advances in immunotherapy that enable it to be administered through a tablet placed under the tongue. The tablet contains a small amount of an allergen, and as the tablet dissolves, it releases the allergen into the body. This works to desensitize the immune system to the allergen in the same way allergy shots do but with the convenience of dosing at home.

Another promising development in allergy treatment is a newer class of drugs known as biologics. These medications work by targeting certain parts of the immune system that cause allergic reactions. Biologics are especially helpful for people with severe allergies. They can help reduce inflammation in the airways, making it easier to breathe and improve overall allergy symptoms.

In the past, food allergy treatments had been limited to avoiding the foods a person was allergic to and emergency treatment with epinephrine if the person unknowingly consumed that food. Now there are other treatment options.

Recent research has paved the way for innovative treatments in areas such as gene therapy (the use of genes to prevent or cure a disease), exploring the role of gut bacteria in reducing allergic reactions, and utilizing nanotechnology (tiny particles) to deliver allergy medication directly to the cells responsible for allergic reactions. Clinical trials are currently investigating new types of immunotherapy that aim to make the immune system less sensitive to allergens so allergic reactions are less severe.
Skin allergies occur when an allergen comes in contact with the skin of someone who is sensitive to it. Because there is a link between psoriasis and skin allergies, people with some skin allergies may benefit from treatments developed for psoriasis that reduce the body’s immune response. Two new treatments fall into this category. Vtama (tapinarof) is a new prescription cream that is currently available in Canada, and Nemluvio (nemolizumab-ilto) has been approved in the U.S. and other countries, and it is undergoing regulatory review by Health Canada as part of the approval process for new drugs.

The recent strides in allergy management are making future treatment much easier for people with allergies, enabling them to manage their condition more effectively and lead healthier lives.

If you suffer from allergies, your London Drugs pharmacists will be happy to answer your questions and suggest or prescribe appropriate treatments. You can speak to a pharmacist in store, visit londondrugs.com/prescribing for a list of prescribing services in your province, or visit us in store anytime.

Allergies: Nothing to sneeze at

As spring brings warmer weather our way and plants begin a new year of growth, many people will find themselves experiencing the symptoms of seasonal allergies. If you are one of those allergy sufferers, you may be wondering what causes allergies and what you can do to prevent or manage the symptoms.

What causes allergies?

An allergy is a condition that has both hereditary and environmental factors. On the hereditary side, you can inherit a tendency to develop an allergy to a particular substance. On the environmental side, your body can react to substances you encounter in your home, inside other buildings, or outdoors.

Allergies occur when your immune system responds to substances (known as allergens) and triggers an allergic reaction. When your body comes into contact with an allergen, it releases chemicals such as histamine into your bloodstream. Histamine helps your body eliminate the allergens, and it is this process that causes symptoms such as itching, sneezing, watery eyes, and hives.

There are a number of allergens that trigger allergic reactions. Common ones are:

Animal dander comes from pets. Pets with fur or feathers can shed flecks of dead skin, and these particles can float in the air in your home and cause you to experience an allergic reaction.
Dust mites are tiny bugs that can collect on soft furnishings and household items such as pillows, mattresses, carpets, and children’s stuffed toys, where they can be easily breathed into your body.
Mould is a type of fungus that results from high humidity levels and excessive water. Mould is most commonly found in poorly ventilated bathrooms and basements.
Pollen is a powdery substance produced by grass, weeds, flowering shrubs, and trees. In Canada, the level of tree pollen peaks in late spring, and the grass and weed pollens peak in the summer and fall. The amount of pollen in the air is monitored at stations across Canada, and this is reported as the pollen count. The higher the pollen count on a particular day, the more likely it is that people sensitive to pollen will have an allergic reaction. Most local TV and radio news reports provide the pollen count in their area. The Weather Network also provides information on the pollen count for some locations. To find the information for your area, search the web for The Weather Network Allergy Outlook plus your city or province.

One of the most common types of allergies is allergic rhinitis, commonly called hay fever. It affects primarily the eyes and nose when your body comes in contact with allergens. If you suffer from hay fever, you will want to pay particular attention to the pollen count in your area.

Allergy symptoms

Allergy symptoms can develop within minutes of your coming in contact with an allergen or they may develop over a few hours. Common allergy symptoms include:

Congestion, which may lead to headache
Ear popping or feeling of fullness
Itchy eyes, nose, and roof of the mouth
Postnasal drip (excess buildup of mucus that drips down the back of the throat)
Pressure in the nose and cheeks
Red, watery eyes
Runny nose
Sneezing

Other symptoms may include allergic conjunctivitis (inflammation of the tissue lining the eyelids) and sinusitis (inflammation of the air cavities within the nose).

Preventing allergies

One way to prevent seasonal allergies is to limit your exposure to pollen. Here are some tips that will help.

Pay attention to the pollen forecast in your area and avoid being outside for long periods of time when the pollen count is high.
Keep the windows in your house closed and close the windows in your car shut while you’re driving.
Limit the amount of time you spend outside, especially during midday and the afternoon, when pollen counts tend to be highest.
When you have to go outside during times when pollen counts are high, wear a pollen mask or a dust mask.
After you come indoors, rinse your eyes with cool water of saline eyedrops to remove any pollen that may be clinging to you.
Take a shower and change your clothes after working or playing outdoors.

Treating allergy symptoms

No matter how hard you work to prevent triggering an allergy, you may be one of those people who still suffers from allergy symptoms, but there are still steps you can take to reduce the discomfort. For example, you can clear a stuffy nose by flushing your sinuses, using a humidifier in your bedroom, and taking hot showers.

Your London Drugs pharmacists can recommend a variety of over-the-counter products to help relieve allergy symptoms such as a stuffy or runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, and pain. Common types of nonprescription allergy medicines include:

Antihistamines, which stop sneezing, runny noses, and itching
Decongestants, which help clear up a stuffy nose
Antihistamine/decongestant combinations, which work on most allergy symptoms
Decongestant eyedrops, which reduce itching and watering of the eyes

There is no reason to suffer from allergies when preventive measures and remedies are available. We can help.

Seasonal Allergies FAQ

With seasonal allergy season here, we have some common questions our pharmacists field daily. From symptoms to treatments, continue reading for answers. You can also speak to a pharmacist for advice on what products may be right for you.

What are some usual seasonal allergy symptoms?

Seasonal allergies commonly cause itchy, watery eyes, scratchy throat, sneezing, runny nose, or nasal congestion.

How can I tell if my symptoms are due to an allergy or COVID-19?

Many of the symptoms of seasonal allergies and COVID-19 are similar. You should use a COVID-19 rapid antigen test if you have one, especially if the symptoms are new to you. Then talk to a health care provider for further advice.

What treatments are available for seasonal allergies?

Your pharmacist can advise you about which treatment is best for you. There are many non-prescription and prescription options (oral tablets/liquid, nasal sprays, eye drops, injections) to help relieve your symptoms.

What if I try an allergy treatment and it isn’t working?

Talk to you pharmacist or doctor for further advice and options.

To learn more about seasonal allergies, watch this video. If you have questions about allergy treatments or if you need help selecting a product to relieve your symptoms, your London Drugs pharmacists are always happy to help you.

The air you breathe: keeping the air in your home safe

Dry, itchy skin is just one of the problems that dry air can cause. When the air is dry, your respiratory system can suffer as well. Your nasal passages can dry out all the way down to your lungs, leading to a dry mouth and coughing, even if you have no medical problems. If you do have any lung issues, dry air can make them worse. You can raise the moisture level of the air in your home by using a humidifier. A humidifier can help relieve:
• Asthma and allergy flare-ups
• Chronic runny nose
• Dry throat
• Hay fever symptoms
• Nose bleeds
• Sinus congestion
• Cough and flu symptoms

Types of Humidifiers

There are a number of different types of portable humidifiers that provide excellent options that allow you to adjust the humidity in specific rooms where you spend a lot of time, such as bedrooms or a home office.

Cool mist evaporators utilize a wicking filter system to draw water out of the reservoir. A small fan pulls dry air from the room through the saturated wicking filter. Moisture from the filter evaporates and is pushed back into the room by the fan.

Warm-mist humidifiers produce a steam vapour that is up to 95% bacteria-free. This vapour mixes with dry air in a cooling chamber and releases soothing, warm moisture into the room.

Getting the most benefit

In order to get the most benefit from your humidifier, it is important to keep it clean and make sure it is in proper working order:
• Change the water regularly. Bacteria and mould can grow in standing water. And wash any buckets or filter systems every two or three days.
• Follow the manufacturer’s directions about how often to change the filter.
• Check your home’s humidity level every few days to ensure that the air isn’t too humid. Health Canada recommends, the humidity level in your home should be no lower than 30% in the winter and maximum 55% in the summer.

Air purifiers

A humidifier is an excellent option for keeping the humidity in your home at a healthy level, but it may not be all you need to make the air in your home safe. Lack of ventilation indoors can trap pollutants such as dust and pollen. In fact, the air in most homes contains more pollution than the air outside. Air purifiers can help reduce:
• Allergens such as dust, pollen and pet odours
• Asthma triggers including dry skin cells, dirt, perfumes, household cleaners, and smoke from cooking
• Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
• Fumes and pollutants that come in from outdoors
• Tobacco smoke that can trigger health problems such as heart disease, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, and ear infections

Air purifiers are an excellent way to reduce allergens, such as dust, pollen and even pet odours, if you’re a pet owner.

There are different types of air purifiers to help capture indoor pollutants:
• True HEPA Air Cleaners are recommended for people suffering from allergy and asthma symptoms. These devices help reduce up to 99.9% of certain airborne viruses and bacteria. Certified Hepa air filters capture up to 99.97% of airborne allergens.
• HEPA-type & ifD® models are recommended for or those who want fresher, cleaner air in their homes. These units capture up to 99.9% of harmful particles and germs.

Air is something no one can live without, so it makes sense to do whatever you can to make the air in your home healthy and safe. London Drugs carries a number of humidifiers and vapourizers that will help provide relief for congestion and ease breathing. If you are unsure of which appliance will best suit your needs, our team of pharmacists will be happy to help you.

Double Check your EpiPen with Health Canada Advisory

With the holidays, specifically Halloween, fast approaching, it’s a good bet you and your family will be indulging a bit more on treats and different dishes you wouldn’t normally eat. Because of this, you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared should you or a loved one have an allergic reaction.

Pfizer Canada has advised Health Canada that, in a very small number of cases, some EpiPen (0.3 mg) and EpiPen Jr (0.15 mg) auto-injector devices may not slide out of their carrier tube easily, or at all. Although the chance of this occurring is very rare, failure to administer epinephrine as soon as possible during an anaphylactic response could lead to patient disability or death.

Currently, Pfizer has indicated that this issue – a deformation on the open rim of the plastic carrier tube may be present – may affect any EpiPen auto-injectors currently on the market in Canada expiring prior to and including September 2020.

Consumers should check that their EpiPen devices can be removed from the carrier tubes with ease.

For more information on EpiPen and EpiPen Jr advisory from Health Canada, click HERE

Seasonal Allergy Relief: How to Reduce Stuffy Noses, Itchy Eyes & Spring Symptoms

Holistic Approach

Allergy Prevention

Symptom Treatment

Other ways you can help ease your discomfort from allergies include:

Enjoy the air this spring

The Sneezin’ Season

Treating Seasonal Allergies

Advances in Allergy Management

What Is an Allergic Reaction?

Treating Allergies

Allergies: Nothing to sneeze at

What causes allergies?

Allergy symptoms

Preventing allergies

Treating allergy symptoms

Seasonal Allergies FAQ

The air you breathe: keeping the air in your home safe

Types of Humidifiers

Getting the most benefit

Air purifiers

Double Check your EpiPen with Health Canada Advisory

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Holistic Approach

Allergy Prevention

Symptom Treatment

Other ways you can help ease your discomfort from allergies include:

The Sneezin’ Season

Treating Seasonal Allergies

What Is an Allergic Reaction?

Treating Allergies

What causes allergies?

Allergy symptoms

Preventing allergies

Treating allergy symptoms

Getting the most benefit

Archive

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