Be prepared for when allergies hit you!

As winter draws to a close, you may be looking forward to shedding those layers and enjoying the warmer weather. For some people, this signals the start of the upcoming allergy season and all the sniffles and itchy eyes that come with it. Read on to learn more about treatments for any unexpected allergy symptoms.

Non-medicated options

While it’s best to reduce your exposure to allergy triggers as much as you can, if your symptoms are not troublesome and do not affect your daily activities (e.g., school, work or your sleep), you can consider using non-medicated treatments as a start.¹ Allergies can present in many different ways, so you will want to pick a strategy that matches with the specific symptoms that you’re experiencing.

• Congested, stuffy, itchy or runny nose: use a nasal saline spray or irrigator to help flush out mucus and any allergens that may be trapped.² Be sure to use a sterile solution and clean out the irrigation system regularly to prevent infections.²
• Itchy, red and watery eyes: use lubricant eye drops to help wash out allergens and to protect the eye from pollen.^2,3 A cool compress can also help soothe the eyes.^2,3
• Itchy, red skin: wash the affected area and clothing immediately as soon as you notice it. Apply a piece of cool, wet cloth or gauze to the affected area for half an hour 4 to 6 times daily to help reduce inflammation and cool the skin.⁴ During each session, it’s important to remove and remoisten your dressing every few minutes before reapplying it.⁴ If you are really itchy or uncomfortable, you can consider applying a corticosteroid product to the skin or take an oral antihistamine as well.

Your Rexall® pharmacist can provide you with further tips on how to use non-medicated products for your allergies or help you find ways to reduce your allergen exposure.

Medicated options

If your symptoms are troublesome, not relieved by non-medicated options and are affecting your day-to day-life, you can consider using medicated treatments. While some options may be available over-the-counter, others may need a prescription.

• Nasal sprays: medicated nasal sprays often have one or more ingredients to treat nasal congestion and other nose-related symptoms.² Many nasal sprays contain corticosteroids, antihistamines or decongestants; some products contain both a corticosteroid and an antihistamine.²
  
  While nasal corticosteroid sprays are usually highly effective, it can take several weeks to experience their full effect.¹ Nasal decongestants (e.g., oxymetazoline, xylometazoline) can be used alongside corticosteroid sprays if you are having a lot of congestion, however it’s best to avoid using them for more than a few days as the congestion can return.¹
• Eyedrops: much like medicated nasal sprays, allergy eye drops can contain a variety of ingredients such as antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers.³ Eye drops that have mast cell stabilizers (e.g., sodium cromoglycate) work by blocking the release of histamine from cells and help with the late phase in an allergic reaction.³ They can take up to 10 days for maximum effect and should be started before allergy season begins.³
• Tablets, capsules and other oral products: many oral products for allergies contain an antihistamine, and some contain both an antihistamine and a decongestant. Antihistamines are often divided into 2 classes: first (older) and second (newer) generation products. Both types are effective in treating most allergy symptoms throughout the body.² First generation products generally cause drowsiness, which can be a concern for many people. Second generation antihistamines, such as loratadine and cetirizine, are less likely to cause drowsiness and other effects such as dry mouth and constipation.² Speak with your Rexall pharmacist before taking oral allergy medications, particularly if you are a senior or have other medical conditions.
• Topical creams and ointments: skin rashes and irritation related to allergies can be treated with corticosteroid products applied to the skin, which include creams and lotions.⁴ It’s best to avoid using topical corticosteroids for more than 2 weeks.⁴ Topical antihistamine products should be avoided; they are generally not effective when applied to normal skin and can further irritate the area.⁴

Many types of allergy medications exist on the market so it’s best to discuss any questions that you may have with your doctor or Rexall® pharmacist before using them.

Severe allergic reactions and emergencies

In some situations, allergy symptoms can be severe and require urgent medical attention. These types of allergic reactions, also known as anaphylaxis, can affect multiple body systems at once. While seasonal allergies do not usually cause anaphylaxis, common triggers can include insect bites or stings, and certain foods or medications.⁵ Symptoms of anaphylaxis can include:⁵

• Skin-related symptoms: hives, swelling of the eyelids, itching or flushing
• Breathing-related symptoms: shortness of breath or throat irritation
• Heart-related symptoms: rapid or weak pulse, dizziness or fainting
• Stomach-related symptoms: nausea, vomiting or diarrhea

If you have a history of anaphylaxis, be sure to carry an epinephrine autoinjector (such as Epipen® or Allerject®) with you at all times.⁵ Epinephrine can temporarily reverse anaphylaxis symptoms unlike other allergy medications. If you or someone you know is experiencing anaphylaxis, call emergency medical services or 9-1-1 after giving the medication.⁵

It’s important that your friends and family members are trained on how to recognize anaphylaxis symptoms and how to use an epinephrine autoinjector. Your Rexall® pharmacist can demonstrate how to use an epinephrine autoinjector and provide other important details about the medication.