Ask the Pharmacist

Q: My allergies seem to have started already. What can you suggest I use?

A: Many of us look forward to the warmer days of spring but you may notice that the change of seasons also brings budding trees and fresh green grass. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you may not be excited for this time of year as it means many sneezing fits, itchy eyes and a runny nose. We tend to cover the topic of allergies every spring but thought it bears repeating.

Seasonal allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, happens when our own immune system reacts to airborne allergens, such as pollen from trees, grasses and weeds. The most common symptoms include sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy eyes and for some, a scratchy throat and/or cough.

These symptoms may start as soon as the trees begin to bud and the grass starts growing which you may notice is happening right now here. If you know you will be affected by allergies, starting treatment early, before symptoms peak, can significantly reduce their severity and make the season much more manageable. Think of it as building up your body’s defences before the pollen counts soar.

As with many of our columns, we like to focus on prevention which can be the best medicine. Let’s review some preventative methods for specific allergy triggers:
 

• Pets: It is best to remove pets from the home. We understand that our pets are considered our best friends so that may not be feasible. At least try keeping them outside of the bedroom and the main living areas. Be sure to brush them outdoors. Installing a HEPA filter can help immensely. Bathing cats weekly and dogs once or twice per week can help remove some of their allergic dander.
• Dust mites: To help reduce the existence of dust mites, we should wash bedding at least once weekly in hot water. Encase your mattress and pillows with impermeable covers. Also, if able, replace any carpets in your home with hard flooring as carpets like to harbour those mites.
• Insects: Avoid infested areas and wear clothing that covers as much skin as possible. Limit time outdoors at dawn and dusk
• Tobacco: Avoid smoking in the car or inside the home. Use of air-conditioning may be helpful too.
• Pollen: Change clothes and bathe/shower after being outdoors and do not dry clothing outdoors as it will bring the pollen into your home. Use air-conditioning to allow for closed windows/doors.
• Moulds: Remove household plants and keep indoor humidity between 40-45 per cent. Use a fungicide on sinks, showers, garbage bins etc.

If these preventative measures are still leaving you with allergy symptoms, consider making an appointment with your pharmacist. The pharmacist can assess and prescribe appropriate treatments and help get you feeling better.

The most effective first-line treatments for seasonal allergies are once-daily, non-drowsy antihistamines and intranasal corticosteroid sprays:
 

• Non-drowsy antihistamines, such as cetirizine (Reactine), loratadine (Claritin), and fexofenadine (Allegra), are convenient and effective for relieving sneezing, itching, and runny nose. These medications block histamine, the chemical responsible for many allergy symptoms, and are typically well-tolerated. They start working within an hour and can be taken daily during allergy season.
• Intranasal corticosteroids, such as fluticasone (Flonase), mometasone (Nasonex) or budesonide (Rhinocort) and ciclesonide (Omnaris), are considered the most effective option for managing nasal congestion and overall allergy control. They work by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages. Although they take a few days to reach full effect, starting them early in the season can help prevent symptoms before they get out of hand. These sprays are safe for long-term use during the allergy season and are especially helpful for those with more troublesome nasal symptoms.

If you suffer from a moderate to severe case of allergy symptoms, you may find you need to use a combination of products, such as both a daily nasal spray along with an oral antihistamine.

If the above suggestions still are not providing enough relief, there are additional options to consider:
 

• Antihistamine eye drops, such as ketotifen (Zaditor) or olopatadine (Pataday), are excellent for managing itchy, watery eyes. These drops work quickly and can be used alongside oral medications and nasal sprays.
• Decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) or oxymetazoline nasal sprays (Dristan, Otrivin), can provide quick relief from nasal stuffiness. However, they are best used short-term. Oral decongestants can raise blood pressure and cause trouble sleeping and the nasal decongestant sprays should not be used for more than three days in a row to avoid rebound congestion.
• Leukotriene receptor antagonists, such as montelukast (Singulair), may be an option in certain cases, particularly if allergies are accompanied by asthma symptoms. This medication requires a prescription and comes with considerations regarding potential mood-related side effects, which should be discussed with your health-care provider.

If you do seek assistance from your pharmacist for your allergies, the pharmacist is able to prescribe any of the above suggestions with the exception of the leukotriene receptor antagonists (Singulair).

Remember that spring and summer are beautiful seasons and they do not have to be overshadowed by allergy misery. Since we know that starting treatment early is key and if you have experienced seasonal allergies in the past, now is the time to act before symptoms escalate. By beginning medications before pollen counts reach their peak, you can reduce the intensity of your symptoms and avoid disruptions to your daily activities.

For more information about this or any other health-related questions, contact the pharmacists at Gordon Pharmasave, Your Health and Wellness Destination. Also check the website at www.gordon-pharmasave.com/ and the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/GordonPharmasave/.