Seasonal allergies

Ask the Pharmacist

By Stefanie Tagg, Pharmacist

With spring upon us, comes the budding cherry blossoms, rain showers and seasonal allergies. Seasonal allergies affect people of all ages but, fortunately, there are many non-prescription options to manage the uncomfortable signs of the new season. Symptoms of seasonal allergies may include sneezing, nasal itching, and runny nose, nasal congestion, and red, itchy, watery eyes. There may also be an “allergic shiner” present from bruised appearance under the eyes. Allergies can be confused with the common cold, sinus infections, and other causes of nasal congestion (including certain medications). The most common allergens are pollen from trees, flowers, grasses, and weeds. Typically, seasonal allergies are due to trees in spring, grass in summer, and weeds in fall. Some people have perennial allergies which occur year-round and can be due to indoor triggers such as animal dander, dust mites, molds and cockroaches as well as outdoor pollens. Options for controlling outdoor seasonal allergens are to use air conditioning instead of opening windows or doors, shower and change clothes after being outdoors, use a dryer rather than drying clothes outdoors, and avoiding  the outdoors when pollen counts are high (evenings and early mornings).

Oral antihistamines are a good first choice if you have mild to moderate symptoms. They reduce symptoms of itching, sneezing, and runny nose and itchy eyes but are not very effective for nasal congestion. Sometimes they are given in combination with a nasal decongestant (pseudoephedrine) to help with the congestion. First-generation antihistamines (diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine) can cause drowsiness which may affect work or driving. Second-generation antihistamines (loratadine (Claritin), fexofenadine (Allergra), cetirizine (Reactine) are generally well-tolerated; however, they are more expensive.  Antihistamines should be taken either prophylactically (2-5 hours before allergen exposure), or daily if chronic symptoms are present.
Intranasal decongestants, such as oxymetazoline (Dristan), are effective in providing short-term relief of nasal congestion, but have little effect on itching, sneezing, or runny nose. For any products with decongestants, use should be limited to a maximum of 3 days. Saline nasal sprays can help relieve symptoms of runny nose and are an especially good choice for children.  

For itchy eyes, there are eye drops with antihistamines and/or decongestants. Antihistamine eye drops are also available with a prescription from the doctor. Artificial tears can dilute and remove allergens from the eyes. Some people also find cold compresses to the eyes three to four times per day can also help reduce redness and itching.

The good news is there are many ways to treat these unfortunate effects of the changing season, allowing you and your family to enjoy the warmer weather and blossoming flowers and trees around Victoria just a little more.

In patients with more severe symptoms, there are options available by prescription such as nasal corticosteroids. If your symptoms are not being controlled by the combination of non-prescription options, make an appointment to see the doctor to discuss what else is available.