Giving up warm weather pleasures because of allergies need not happen. There are many ways to reduce the impact of spring and summer allergens, including the use of over-the-counter medications to soothe troubled nasal passages and eyes.

Hay Fever and Seasonal Allergies
If you are bothered by sneezing during the spring and summer months, and you have itchy, watery eyes, the chances are that you are experiencing hay fever (allergic rhinitis). This annoying condition is caused by an allergic reaction to the pollen released into the air by trees, grass and weeds.

Seasonal allergies accompany the pollinating cycle of specific plants during the spring, summer and fall. In Canada, spring allergies brought on by tree pollen usually occur from February to May; summer allergies from grass pollen from May to mid-July, and fall allergies from weed pollen from August to November.

How Allergies "Happen"
When pollens are inhaled, the body releases histamine - a chemical present throughout the body - which gives rise to  sneezing, congestion, and itchy, watery eyes. These reactions are the body’s way of flushing away the invading irritant.

One of the ways to control hay fever is to avoid pollen as much as possible (see sidebar for tips), and/or to use a product that has been formulated to help control allergy symptoms. Your London Drugs pharmacist will be pleased to help you select the product that is right for you.

Fast, Effective Allergy Relief
The itchy, runny nose and sneezing that accompany hay fever can be controlled with a nasal solution such as Cromolyn anti-allergic nasal mist. This solution prevents histamines from being released within the body and will not cause drowsiness. For best results, you should start to use the nasal mist a week or so prior to exposure to the allergen.

Irritated eyes caused by allergic reactions are best treated with drops formulated to prevent itching,
watering and congestion. Cromolyn ophthalmic solution may be used by adults and children over five years of age to soothe and remove redness caused by allergens.

Prevention Tips
Following these basic guidelines will help you reduce your exposure to pollens, moulds, and other allergens.

• Avoid going out of doors when pollen counts are high. (Counts are usually provided on the radio and TV and in the daily newspapers.)
• Know your triggers and avoid them.
  Remember that grass pollinates between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., weeds pollinate at sunrise and sunset, and that windy days will have higher pollen and mould allergen levels.
• Keep your medication close by.
  Use it as soon as you anticipate the onset of an allergic reaction.
• Clear the air. When driving, keep windows up and set the air conditioning on recirculate. Keep home windows closed and change air conditioning filters regularly.
• Change your clothes. A quick shower and a change of attire will take care of pollens that have collected on hair and fabrics while you were outside.

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