Allergic rhinitis: Is it seasonal or perennial?

Seasonal allergies can be due to pollen from:

• Trees, especially in the spring
• Grasses, mostly present in the summer (grass, hay, wheat, corn)
• Herbaceous plants, starting at the end of summer and in fall (ragweed)

Allergens enter the bloodstream through the skin, eyes, nasal passages and mouth. This triggers a defense response from the immune system: it releases chemicals, such as histamine and leukotrienes, causing the allergy symptoms.

Symptoms of moderate allergic rhinitis

Cold and allergy symptoms are quite similar, but unlike the common cold, allergies are not due to viruses. Most people with allergic rhinitis will experience some of these symptoms:

• An itchy nose, eyes, throat and roof of the mouth
• Runny nose
• Fits of sneezing
• Nasal congestion in varying degrees
• Red eyes
• Tearing of the eyes

Diagnosing allergic rhinitis

If you experience these symptoms and think you may be allergic to a particular substance, note the time and place when your symptoms are at their peak. This information will help to draw up a short list of possible culprits. Allergy testing can then be done by an allergist to pinpoint the precise source of your allergy symptoms.

Preventive measures

To prevent or reduce allergy symptoms, avoid contact with your allergens and follow the advice below.  

Dust mites:

• Get rid of carpets and dust-collecting furniture, such as stuffed chairs.
• Use plastic mattress covers.
• Wash sheets, pillow cases and bedspreads in hot water every week.
• Wash floors often.
• Keep the ambient humidity level low.
• Install a high-efficiency air filter.

Tree, grass and plant pollen:

• Keep doors and windows closed.
• Do not mow the lawn or go to places where your allergen can be found (e.g. parks, wooded areas.
• Do not dry your clothes on the clothesline.
• Wear sunglasses whenever you are outside.

Medication for allergic rhinitis

The most common medications used to reduce allergy symptoms can be divided into two categories: antihistamines and decongestants.

Oral antihistamines act on the entire body and reduce allergy symptoms as a whole, whether they are associated with seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis. For best results, be sure to take antihistamines every day during the full allergy period. They help ease many symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose, tearing, prickly eyes and itching.

Decongestants relieve nasal congestion. Often used in combination with antihistamines (sometimes in the same product), they are available as syrups, tablets or nasal sprays.

There are also other prescription and non-prescription allergy drugs available at the pharmacy. Saline solutions, antihistamine eye drops and corticosteroid nasal sprays are a few examples.  

Pharmacy services

Before choosing a specific product, be sure to ask your family pharmacists for advice. They can recommend the best medication for you based on your symptoms and state of health.

They can also prescribe* medications for certain minor health problems, including allergic rhinitis, when the treatment and diagnosis have already been established. A consultation will be required so the pharmacist can make sure you meet the prescribing criteria.

To avail yourself of this service, you may need to book an appointment with your family pharmacist. Ask a member of the pharmacy team for more details. Some Uniprix-affiliated pharmacies also offer an online appointment booking service. To locate the store nearest you providing this service, click here.

*Certain conditions must be respected. Fees may apply. Ask a member of the pharmacy team for more information. Pharmacists alone are responsible for the practice of pharmacy. They offer related services only on behalf of pharmacist-owners.