April 2024 Newsletter
Spring is just around the corner! But for many Atlantic Canadians, the sweet relief of winter comes at a price. According to the CSACI (Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology), about 25% of Canadians suffer from seasonal allergies. Seasonal allergies can put a real damper on those long-awaited days outside. When the sunshine and fresh air brings along sneezing, sniffling, and itchy eyes, you need to plan ahead to win the battle.
The first step to conquering allergies is to reduce your exposure to pollen. Check pollen forecasts, shower after spending time outdoors to remove pollen from hair and skin and invest in a HEPA air filter to trap allergens in your home. Avoid hanging laundry outside and keep your windows closed.
Still have a blocked or stuffy nose? Don’t underestimate the effectiveness of a saline nasal rinse. A good nasal rinse will flush out allergens and mucus from the nasal passage and usually provides immediate relief. Our online shop has many options. shop here.
If you are still experiencing symptoms, let Pharmacy for Life help you navigate the allergy section for an over-the-counter solution.
Antihistamines. Antihistamines block histamine. So what exactly is histamine? Histamine is the body’s chemical response to invading allergens. Histamine’s job is to fight off these invaders, but unfortunately causes pesky symptoms of itchy eyes, runny noses, sneezing and hives. Antihistamines work as peacekeepers and block the histamine’s effects.
Decongestants. When you have allergies, the blood vessels inside your nose can get inflamed or swollen, blocking the airways and making it difficult to breathe. Decongestants can help shrink swollen nasal passages and ease breathing.
Nasal Sprays. Nasal sprays can provide temporary relief from a stuffy nose, however, some nasal sprays should not be taken over an extended period of time and can cause rebound congestion with long-term use.
With so many brands and variations of each product, here’s our top pharmacy recommended products:
Nasacort Nasal Spray. Why do we like it? This scent-free, alcohol-free gentle mist provides 24 hour congestion relief and is safe to use daily for up to 6 months.
Desloratadine Tablets (Aerius, or Option+) Why do we like it? The ingredient Desloratadine provides non-drowsy relief of itchy, burning, watery, swollen, red eyes; congestion, stuffiness, sneezing, runny, itchy nose; allergic cough, itchy throat, itchy ears; itchy palate; and itchy skin and hives.
Remember, as with all over-the-counter medications, always consult with your pharmacist to find the solution that works best for you. With a little preparation and the right tools, you can ditch the tissues and trade sniffles for sunshine this allergy season.