From April to the first frosts of fall, seasonal allergies (or allergic rhinitis) affect many people of all ages. It is estimated that it affects around 20% of the population, and you may be among them!
The following information will help you minimize the impact of seasonal allergies on your daily life.
Allergic rhinitis can occur as early as childhood, or later, in adolescence or adulthood. It is also more common in children with one or both parents suffering from the condition.
What causes seasonal allergies?
Seasonal allergies are caused when the body reacts and defends itself against normally harmless substances. These substances, known as allergens, sometimes take the form of airborne particles. When they come into contact with mucous membranes, such as those of the nose, mouth and eyes, the body triggers an allergic reaction.
A person can react to several types of allergens, including the following:
- Animal hair or saliva;
- Certain foods or medications;
- Mites;
- Dust;
- Latex.
For many people, the symptoms of allergic rhinitis often return at the same time every year. In these cases, pollens from certain species of trees, shrubs, grasses or herbaceous plants are to blame.
What are the signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis?
The most commun symptoms of allergic rhinitis are:
- Watery eyes;
- An itching sensation, sometimes severe, in the eyes, nose, throat, ears or palate;
- Repetitive sneezing;
- Runny nose;
- Red eyes;
- Swollen eyelids;
What are the months for seasonal allergies?
There are different periods for each type of allergy:
- The first seasonal allergies are triggered by tree pollen in March or April, with the first spring thaw.
- Then, in early summer, grasses (hay, turf, bromegrass, bluegrass) make their appearance.
- And finally, herbaceous pollens (ragweed allergies) round off the season, from mid-July until the first frosts in the fall.
How long does a seasonal allergy last?
Seasonal allergies vary considerably in duration from one person to another, and also depend on the allergens present. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis usually last as long as there is exposure to the allergens.
Allergens such as spring pollen can cause symptoms lasting from a few weeks to several months, depending on weather conditions, which affect the length of the flowering season. For example, an early spring or a long summer could extend the pollen production period and prolong the duration of symptoms for allergy sufferers. Allergens such as mould or dust mites can cause symptoms all year round, but may be exacerbated during certain seasons.
How can you tell the difference between a seasonal allergy and a cold?
Not always easy to tell the difference between a cold from a seasonal allergy as the symptoms can be so similar. In fact, both conditions can cause runny nose, sneezing, coughing, nasal congestion, headache, fatigue, insomnia or an altered overall condition. There are, however, small differences that can help you distinguish between the common cold and allergic rhinitis:
- In the case of seasonal allergies, nasal discharge is clear, abundant and fluid, while cold secretions are often thicker and coloured.
- Allergic rhinitis does not usually cause fever or sore throat.
- Unlike the common cold, it is not unusual for allergic rhinitis to last more than 10 days.
When in doubt, it is always best to consult your pharmacist for further information on your state of health.
How to treat seasonal allergies?
The best thing to do when suffering from an allergy is to avoid all contact with the allergenic substance, which is relatively easy to do in the case of a food, drug or animal. It is more complicated for pollens, however, as they are present in the air during the summer months. Despite everything, it is possible to limit your exposure to pollen to relieve your seasonal allergy symptoms by following these tips:
- Keep windows closed at home, and use air conditioning whenever possible to avoid letting allergens into your home.
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes from airborne pollen.
- Drive with the windows closed and use the air conditioner instead.
- Avoid drying clothes and bedding outdoors, as pollen can cling to fabrics.
- Keep the lawn short, as the growing grass flowers and releases pollen.
- Eliminate ragweed from your environment.
- After a day outdoors, take a shower or bath, wash your hair thoroughly and change your clothes, as pollen can cling to clothes, skin and hair.
- Avoid going outside in the morning and in dry, hot, windy weather. Outdoor activities are best undertaken in the late afternoon or after heavy rain, when pollen levels are lower.
- Wear a dust mask when gardening or mowing the lawn.
- Check the pollen count before you go out, to determine pollen density in the air.
What treatments/medications are available for seasonal allergies?
Here are several over-the-counter and prescription medications and products to help you control your allergic rhinitis symptoms and enjoy the warm weather more fully!
Antihistamines
Antihistamines help limit many allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose and itching.
It is strongly recommended to take an antihistamine as soon as your allergies start, as it is much easier to control your symptoms early on. Make sure you take your medication regularly while your allergen is present in your environment. Talk to your pharmacist for recommendations if your symptoms remain uncontrolled despite taking an antihistamine regularly.
There are a wide variety of antihistamines on the market. Ask your pharmacist for advice on which of these products is best for you. Consult your pharmacist if you continue to experience symptoms despite taking an antihistamine on a regular basis.
Saline solutions
Saline solutions can be very beneficial for removing allergens from the nose, reducing nasal congestion and eliminating mucus. These solutions are the first step managing seasonal allergies.
See our health tip "Nose care: good habits to adopt" to learn more about saline solutions to clear the nose.
Decongestants
Although nasal congestion usually subsides with antihistamines, temporary use of a decongestant can also help in certain situations. However, you should not use spray decongestants for more than 3 to 5 consecutive days, as they can cause congestion when the medication is stopped (rebound congestion). These decongestants are also available in oral form.
Decongestants are not recommended for many people, due to their state of health or other factors. Never take this type of medication without first discussing it with your pharmacist!
Eye drops
If your main allergy symptoms are tearing and itchy eyes, the occasional use of antihistamine drops may be a good idea. However, antihistamine tablets remain the solution of choice in most cases.
Always consult your pharmacist before buying eye drops to relieve your allergy symptoms.
Nasal corticosteroids
This type of product is especially recommended in cases where your allergy symptoms are not completely under control, despite appropriate treatment with antihistamines. You can then use them on a daily basis to help control nasal symptoms such as congestion and runny nose.
Nasal corticosteroids take several days to take effect. Consult your pharmacist to obtain and use them properly.
Don't let allergic rhinitis spoil your daily routine!
Take the time to talk to your pharmacist to get the best advice for relieving your seasonal allergies, and don't hesitate to call on their expertise again if your symptoms persist.
