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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.
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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 .
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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.
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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.
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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.
