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Health Articles
> Getting Ready For Summer
Getting
Ready For Summer
Allergies
Seasonal
allergic symptoms include congestion (stuffy nose), sneezing, runny
nose, itchy throat, nose and eyes, red, watery, runny eyes, and some
allergy sufferers may develop dark circles under their eyes. If you
notice that your symptoms occur about the same time every year, this
could be a clue to the presence of pollen allergy.
In Canada, seasonal
allergy occurring
-
late
April-May is usually caused by tree pollen,
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May-mid
– July is usually caused by grass pollen
-
Late
August - Fall is usually caused by weed pollen, such as ragweed
The best way to
prevent allergy symptoms is to avoid what you’re allergic to (the
allergen). In the case of pollen allergy, this may be hard, since pollens
are carried far and wide in the air. You can access pollen counts in
your geography district on the Weather Network at: http://www.theweathernetwork.com/features/pollen/index.htm
Tips for hay
fever sufferers
-
Avoid
outdoor activities in pollen season
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Keep
windows shut
-
Air
conditioning can reduce amount of pollen indoors
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Shower
or bathe before bed to remove pollen
-
Plan
to take your holidays in another part of the country during pollen
season.
-
Consider
over the counter anti-allergy medications during pollen season, such
as antihistamines which help to prevent or lessen the allergic reaction.
Ideally they should be taken before you are exposed to the allergens
to minimize symptoms. However, once symptoms begin, antihistamines
can help you to cope and may aid in preventing continuing symptoms.
Newer antihistamines like Allegra (fexofenadine), Claritin (loratadine)
and Reactine (cetirizine) are less likely to cause drowsiness than
the more traditional ones like Benadryl (diphenhydramine). Sometimes
one antihistamine will work better than another on an individual basis.
So if you do not get results after a few day trial of one, talk to
your pharmacist about what you might try next. Do not take more than
one antihistamine at the same time. There are topical antihistamines
that can for example be used in the eyes and nose. Livostin (levocabastine)
comes in eye drop and nasal spray. Patanol (olopatadine) is another
anti-allergy eye drop. The drops and sprays require a prescription.
-
Cromolyn
sodium may also be of benefit to some people. It must be started before
exposure, must be taken on a regular consistent basis and takes a
while to begin its preventive properties.
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We
suggest that you either avoid decongestants or use them very sparingly.
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The
most popular prescription medications contain topical corticosteroids.
They are very safe and effective when used appropriately.
-
As
all medications, including ones not requiring a prescription may have
side effects, please read the directions carefully or consult with
a pharmacist.
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Allergy
shots (hyposensitization) may be effective for people who have very
specific allergies.
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