Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis

Seasonal allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, is easy to recognize. Every year, it returns to annoy the sufferer, as the specific triggering pollen/s are released from plants such as grass or ragweed, and various trees. Symptoms of hay fever include runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, sneezing and headaches.

It is important to know the pollen and mould seasons because medications such as antihistamines are most effective if you start taking them as soon as you begin to feel symptoms. The chart shows when the most common plant allergens are dispersed in the western provinces.

A visit to your family doctor or allergy specialist will help you to determine what your allergy triggers are, so that you can limit your exposure to them.

Using Antihistamines

Antihistamines, as the name suggests, block the production of histamine in the body. Since histamine is largely responsible for the unpleasant symptoms of allergies, antihistamines prevent or control these reactions.

There are two kinds of antihistamine available at pharmacies: first generation and second generation. First generation antihistamines have been available for many years. They bring relief for between three and six hours. First generation antihistamines have a number of side effects, including drowsiness. You should not to take this kind of antihistamine if you are planning to drive, or if you operate machinery that requires alertness for safety reasons.

The newer, second generation antihistamines are fast replacing the older medications on pharmacy shelves. These medications do not cause drowsiness and can relieve allergy symptoms for up to 24 hours. This means they only have to be taken once a day. Because they are non-drowsy, they are suitable for people who have to drive or perform tasks that require alertness.

Since antihistamines do not actually prevent allergies, you should remain aware of your allergens and do all you can to protect yourself from encountering them.

A Little Prevention

Here are some pointers to help you stay comfortable through allergy season.

• Start medication early. Having medication on hand will help you put a quick end to an allergy attack.
• Follow the plan. Stick to the recommended times and dosages to obtain the most benefit from your medication. Be diligent about taking medications precisely as they are prescribed. Adherence to correct times and dosages is critical to the success of your treatment plan.
• Know your triggers. When you understand what provokes your allergy symptoms, you can make an extra effort to avoid it. For example, grass pollen levels rise when grass is disturbed, so if grass is one of your triggers, wear a mask when mowing or avoid mowing altogether.
• Beat the clock. Peak pollen production occurs between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m., so try to plan outside activities at other times of the day.
• Check the pollen counts. Avoid going outdoors when pollen counts are high. Beware of dry, windy days when pollen will be blowing around.
• Mask your symptoms. Buy yourself some relief by wearing an inexpensive painter's mask when you're working in the garden or doing other outside chores.
• A change will do you good. A quick shower and a change of clothes will take care of pollens that may have collected on hair or fabrics while you were outside.
• Wash wisely. Shower and wash hair every night to remove pollen. Bathe pets that have been outside, as their hair will trap pollen and other allergens. Don’t dry clothes on a clothes’ line.
• Clear the air. When driving, keep windows up and set the air conditioner on recirculate. At home, keep windows closed. Change air conditioning filters frequently.
• Cover up. Cover air conditioning vents with cheesecloth for additional pollen filtration.

Is It An Allergy or a Cold?

It is sometimes difficult to tell the difference between a lingering cold and allergic rhinitis. Following, are the main differences between colds and allergies:

• Duration. A cold lasts, on average, a week to 10 days. Allergies persist for weeks or months.
• Nasal discharge. A clear and watery discharge indicates an allergy. While the discharge associated with a cold is clear at first, it soon turns thick and yellowish.
• Itchy eyes. Typical allergy symptoms include itchy, watery eyes. These are not symptomatic of colds.
• Sneezing. Sneezing is commonplace, especially during allergy season. While a cold is often preceded by sneezing, this stops as the cold progresses.
• Fever. Colds sometimes start with a fever. Allergies do not produce fever.
• Sore throat. A sore throat is an unusual symptom of allergies. It is a common symptom of a cold.
• Aches and pains. The early stages of a cold are often accompanied by an aching sensation. Allergies do not produce aches.

Your London Drugs Pharmacist Says:

Please consult your doctor before taking any antihistamine or decongestant product if you have high blood pressure, heart, kidney, liver, or thyroid disease, diabetes, glaucoma, prostate enlargement, or if you are elderly, pregnant or nursing. Do not use if you are taking a prescription drug for high blood pressure or depression without consulting your doctor. These and all medications should be kept out of the reach of children.

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