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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.

Spring Allergy Season Has Arrived: How to Survive It

Allergy sufferers should start taking medications now to stay one step ahead of symptoms

Experts at Aerobiology Research Laboratories who specialize in pollen and spore identification and research in Canada say there has been a late start to allergy season, but that it has arrived in British Columbia with the rest of Canada not far behind.

The aeroallergen monitoring firm collects pollen samples daily at collection sites across Canada and looks at when pollens are present in the air in each city, assessing the average pollen season length and the number of very high pollen days.

Last year, the average allergy season length across Canada was 115 days, with Victoria, Vancouver, Burnaby, Hamilton, and Brampton experiencing the longest seasons.

Tree pollen allergy season start and end dates across Canada last year with number of very high pollen days in each city. Pharmacists recommend that allergy sufferers should start taking their medication about two weeks prior to the start of allergy season as some medications can take a few weeks to become fully effective.

For allergy suffers, the arrival of pollen in the air underlines the importance of taking allergy medications proactively, says London Drugs Pharmacist Craig Forster, in this CTV News story.

Some medications can take a few weeks to become fully effective, so ideally, allergy sufferers should start taking their medication two weeks prior to the start of allergy season to stay one step ahead of symptoms.

A new survey conducted by Insights West on behalf of London Drugs found that four in 10 (40%) Canadians don’t start taking their allergy medications early enough. This includes three in 10 (29%) who say they only take allergy medication when they start to feel symptoms and one in 10 (11%) who take them only when they notice symptoms are not going away. Just seven per cent take them either right at the start of allergy season or two weeks beforehand.

Is it Allergies or Is It a Cold?

One underlining issue is that some people mistake early allergy season symptoms with a cold. The similarities between cold symptoms and allergy symptoms can make it difficult to tell which condition to treat.

The survey underscores Canadians’ confusion, as 65 per cent mistake allergy symptoms for a cold. Most respondents identified the symptoms of a cold as coughing (88%), sneezing (83%), sore throat (83%), runny/stuffy nose (79%), and chest congestion (70%).

When thinking of allergies, most respondents associate them with itchy or watery eyes (93%), sneezing (90%), and a runny/stuffy nose (78%). Fewer than half recognize the other symptoms shown as a sign of allergies, such as itchy ears and throat, wheezing, and long-lasting symptoms.

Although allergies and the common cold share many symptoms, patients experiencing seasonal allergies generally suffer from itchy watery eyes and a runny nose. Symptoms of a cold may include aches and pains, a sore throat, and perhaps a fever and chills, which are not typical of seasonal allergies. A cold will generally only last about a week or two, whereas seasonal allergies will have longer-lasting symptoms.

For allergies, treatments may include antihistamines, decongestants, sinus rinses, nasal sprays, or eye drops.

Pharmacists at London Drugs can help distinguish your symptoms and recommend the right course of treatment based on the severity, your past response to medications, and any other medical conditions.

Visit your local London Drugs and speak with a pharmacist to learn more.

8 Natural Remedies to Relieve Your Allergies

Achoo! The seasonal battle has begun against sneezing fits, sinus problems, hay fever, and eyes that itch. Yes, you know it well: allergy season. With spring flowers comes a sensitivity to the environment—pollen, grass, dust, mold, bug bites, and more. We know they can be annoying to deal with, but how can we properly equip ourselves naturally against allergy symptoms?

While there may not be one secret weapon to eliminate every allergy symptom, there are a number of natural tools you can use to help you fight your seasonal allergies. Here are a few ways to naturally relieve your allergies.

1. Schedule any outdoor exercise in the evening

If you love taking spring time strolls, waiting to do so until after midday may help to lessen your allergy symptoms. Because most trees release their pollen early in the morning, waiting until the proverbial dust settles (and isn’t swirling around in the air you breathe) can make your time outdoors more bearable.

2. Change your clothes when you come home

When you come home from work, school, or errands, change into other clothing when you return to your house. Pollen likes to hitchhike on your clothing and stick to it like tiny sea urchins, so toss your outside clothes into the wash to prevent pollen from infiltrating the stronghold of your home.

3. Use a Neti Pot to decongest

If you’ve never used a Neti Pot before, you may be a little bit intimidated by the thought of pouring water up your nose. It’s actually not that uncomfortable (really!). It takes a little getting used to, but once you get the hang of it it’s quite effective, and will become a staple in your allergy-fighting regimen. Rinsing with a saline solution up to twice a day for short periods of time can help to clear out your nasal passages and help to lessen the effects of allergies on your sinuses. Learn more about the Neti Pot on our Pharmacy website.

4. Eat local raw honey

Many an allergy-sufferer claims that eating local honey helps them battle seasonal symptoms. It needs to be local because it will contain a wide sampling of different pollen carried on the bees who made it. By gradually exposing themselves to small amounts of local pollen, many people report it noticeably helping them build up a pollen tolerance and overall decreasing their allergy symptoms.

5. Purify the air in your home

HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters in your appliances—like vacuum cleaners—can help ensure that allergens are taken out of the air in your home, instead of being stirred up and dispersed when you clean. There are also free-standing HEPA towers that you can put in high-traffic areas that will work to keep the air in your home as clear as possible.

6. Use essential oils for support

There are many essential oils that can help to support your immune system while it battles allergies. Add them to a homemade all-purpose cleaner, mix with water in a diffuser, or dilute and apply directly to your pulse points. Especially effective against hay fever, some favourites are lavender, eucalyptus, rose, and peppermint.

7. Put turmeric on everything

This vibrant spice, belonging to the ginger family, is about to become your new best friend. Turmeric contains curcumin, which acts as a decongestant and is a natural antihistamine. If you’re not sure what kinds of dishes you can add this superhero of a spice to, try making this golden turmeric tea recipe in under five minutes. It’s also perfect for curries and stir-fry.

8. Eat allergy-fighting foods

Mother Nature provides many kinds of foods that contain antihistamines, and incorporating as many as you can into your diet can help naturally ward off allergy symptoms. Naturopaths often recommend eating a lot of cruciferous vegetables, onions, garlic, ginger, cayenne, and deep yellow and orange vegetables as often as possible.

So there you have it: your natural weapons against allergies! If you’d like more information on allergy support and managing your symptoms, talk to one of our London Drugs Pharmacists or read more on our Pharmacy website.

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

Spring Allergy Season Has Arrived: How to Survive It

Allergy sufferers should start taking medications now to stay one step ahead of symptoms

Is it Allergies or Is It a Cold?

8 Natural Remedies to Relieve Your Allergies

1. Schedule any outdoor exercise in the evening

2. Change your clothes when you come home

3. Use a Neti Pot to decongest

4. Eat local raw honey

5. Purify the air in your home

6. Use essential oils for support

7. Put turmeric on everything

8. Eat allergy-fighting foods

So there you have it: your natural weapons against allergies! If you’d like more information on allergy support and managing your symptoms, talk to one of our London Drugs Pharmacists or read more on our Pharmacy website.

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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

Spring Allergy Season Has Arrived: How to Survive It

Allergy sufferers should start taking medications now to stay one step ahead of symptoms

Is it Allergies or Is It a Cold?

8 Natural Remedies to Relieve Your Allergies

1. Schedule any outdoor exercise in the evening

2. Change your clothes when you come home

3. Use a Neti Pot to decongest

4. Eat local raw honey

5. Purify the air in your home

6. Use essential oils for support

7. Put turmeric on everything

8. Eat allergy-fighting foods

So there you have it: your natural weapons against allergies! If you’d like more information on allergy support and managing your symptoms, talk to one of our London Drugs Pharmacists or read more on our Pharmacy website.

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Newsletter

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