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itchy eyes, stuffy nose? essentials for seasonal allergy relief

here are some go-to products on amazon that can help you manage your seasonal allergies and enjoy the warmer days.

by karen hawthorne

published jun 06, 2024

last updated jun 19, 2024

5 minute read

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5 minute read

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allergy experts at the mayo clinic also suggest keeping windows closed and staying indoors if you know pollen counts are high. getty images

reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. seasonal allergies are getting worse for some of us. about 25 per cent of canadians deal with environmental triggers for sneezing, itchy nose and throat, nasal congestion and watery reddened eyes, according to the canadian society of allergy and clinical immunology. while most people have allergies from childhood, they can develop at any age.

experts say the unseasonably warmer winter along with a pattern of increasingly longer pollen seasons and higher pollen counts over the past few years are causing increased discomfort (and a run on tissue supply!). a study from the journal nature published in march 2022 found that the pollen count is projected to increase by 200 per cent in the u.s. by the end of the century if planet-warming pollution keeps rising.

so, how do you find relief from symptoms? start with some good antihistamines or nasal sprays. here are some go-to products on amazon that can help you enjoy the warmer days.

summary

claritin rapid dissolve allergy medicine, 24-hour non-drowsy relief 10 mg, 10 tablets

reactine extra strength tablets (10 mg) 108 tablets

flonase allergy relief nasal spray, 120 sprays

salinex nasal spray adults, 30ml

moxĒ eucalyptus essential oil nasal inhaler, sinus and congestion relief

tears naturale solution, 15ml

honeywell hpa104c true hepa air purifier medium room and hrf-a100 air purifier pre kit filter, 4-pack

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claritin rapid dissolve allergy medicine, 24-hour non-drowsy relief 10 mg, 10 tablets

price: $11.99

rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (124 ratings)

when you have an allergic reaction, your body releases histamine, a substance that binds to receptors on certain cells and creates common allergy symptoms. antihistamine medication works by reducing the impact of histamine in your body. first-generation over-the-counter brands are sedating and don’t last as long in your system. second-generation antihistamines like claritin work longer in your body and have fewer side effects. this 10-tablet pack by popular allergy brand claritin doesn’t need to be taken with water and melts quickly in your mouth. the effective compound is loratadine to relieve symptoms of watery, burning eyes, sneezing and runny nose, skin itch and hives. the non-drowsy formula lets you stay alert and focused, too, so there’s no need to hibernate in bed. you want to find a product that works well for you, so a 10-pack is a good choice before buying a value-size package.

reactine extra strength tablets (10 mg) 108 tablets

price: $38.99

rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars (250 ratings)

reactine is another effective antihistamine tablet with the active compound cetirizine. this brand by johnson & johnson works well taken once a day for prevention of symptoms. talk to your pharmacist or primary healthcare provider before using reactine if you have asthma, or liver or disease, which change how your body processes cetirizine.

flonase allergy relief nasal spray, 120 sprays

price: $38.98

rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (177 ratings)

nasal sprays like this one are a great over-the-counter choice for allergies. flonase contains fluticasone propionate, a corticosteroid that blocks the release of a number of substances, including histamine, that cause allergies. it’s simple to use once-daily, just follow the five-step application. the product works right in the nose and is minimally absorbed by your body. but don’t use a medicated nasal spray as well as an antihistamine tablet – it’s one or the other because of the active pharmaceutical ingredients. if these options don’t provide symptom relief, talk to your primary care provider for prescription options and also getting referred to an allergist for possible immunotherapy treatment. in most parts of canada, pharmacists can also prescribe drugs for minor ailments including allergies.

salinex nasal spray adults, 30ml

price: $6.29

rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars (33 ratings)

traditional neti pot nasal rinse systems are a safe and drug-free way to rinse out mucus and irritants, providing relief from congestion, runny nose and post-nasal drip (that are typical allergy symptoms). the salinex nasal spray is a much more portable option than neti pots or irrigation pumps, so it’s convenient and can be used on the go to for nasal and sinus drainage and relief from a dry, irritated nose. the saline solution is 100 per cent natural-source seawater from the gullmar fjord on the west coast of sweden, according to the consumer information leaflet.

moxĒ eucalyptus essential oil nasal inhaler, sinus and congestion relief

price: $14.99 for 3-pack

rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars (1,088 ratings)

eucalyptus ointments are used on the nose and chest to relieve congestion, mount sinai notes about popular products made from the native australian tree. the oil is rich in cineole, which has antiseptic properties. these nasal inhalers by moxĒ contain 100 per cent eucalyptus essential oil for sinus congestion relief and aromatherapy for daily relaxation. the natural piney scent gives you a lift and the eucalyptus oil inhaler can be a welcome addition to your allergy relief regimen. researchers in japan studied the effects of eucalyptus oil for allergic dermatitis, increasing among human skin diseases. topical application of the oil suppressed allergic activity, validating the properties of eucalyptus for allergy treatment.

tears naturale solution, 15ml

price: $10.98

rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars (312 ratings)

red, irritated eyes can sideline your regular activities. adding eye drops to your medicine cabinet can help with this common allergy symptom. these drops from canada’s tears naturale are effective and safe, even for sensitive eyes, with a gentle formulation that mimics your natural tears.

honeywell hpa104c true hepa air purifier medium room and hrf-a100 air purifier pre kit filter, 4-pack

price: $175.64

rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars (516 ratings)

air purifiers, especially in your bedroom to help you sleep, capture microscopic allergens like pollen, dust and pet dander. this model from doctor-recommended brand honeywell comes in a bundle buy with four honeywell replacement filters. bonus: every purchase of a honeywell air purifier or honeywell air purifier filter helps support tree planting through the national greening program of tree canada; visit treecanada.ca.

allergy experts at the mayo clinic also suggest keeping windows closed and staying indoors if you know pollen counts are high. check the weather network for the pollen count in your local area.

other recommended steps include: wear a face mask for outside chores, shower after you’ve been outside to rinse pollen from your hair and skin, and don’t hang laundry to dry outside because pollen can stick to towels and sheets. with good prevention strategies, you can enjoy the warm weather season to its fullest.

karen hawthorne

karen hawthorne worked for six years as a digital editor for the national post, contributing articles on health, business, culture and travel for affiliated newspapers across canada. she now writes from her home office in toronto and takes breaks to bounce with her son on the backyard trampoline and walk bingo, her bull terrier.

itchy eyes, stuffy nose? essentials for seasonal allergy relief