A CAPSULAR MOMENT

SURVIVING THE “HAYING” SEASON

By David Bodunde, Rph 

It is that time of the year again when a lot of people start looking for relief from allergic rhinitis or “hay fever”. Symptoms include itchy, runny noses and eyes, sneezing and swollen sinuses, and sometimes a headache from the sinus pressure. Hay fever is a term that includes all types of seasonal allergies caused when plants, trees, grasses, weeds, and shrubs release their pollen. The pollen which causes hay fever varies between individuals and from region to region; it is worth noting that the tiny, hardly visible pollens of wind pollinated plants are the predominant cause. Pollens of insect pollinated plants are too large to remain airborne and pose no risk. 

In addition to   the individual sensitivity and geographic differences in local plant populations, the amount of pollen in the air (pollen count) can be a factor in whether hay fever symptoms develop. The pollen count is usually highest from mid spring to early summer Hay fever can also refer to an allergy to pet hair and dander, dust mites, mould, or feathers and because these tend to occur all year round they are called perennial allergies, but the symptoms are similar to seasonal allergies.

Prevention

The most effective way to decrease allergic symptoms is to completely avoid the allergens and pollens. The ways to do this include

 ·        Stay inside if possible on days when the pollen count is very high.

·     Use the air conditioner whenever possible. And close all windows and doors to prevent wind borne pollen from entering the home or office

·        Avoid smoky, stuffy places

·        Let someone else comb the dog or cat , and stay away for a while to give the dander time to settle somewhere other than in your nose

·       Make you home “dust-mite-unfriendly.” Remove old and musty carpets and vacuum often

·        Throw out those feather pillows and try hypoallergenic products instead

Treatment

Saline nasal sprays

These are available over-the-counter in the form of sprays, rinses, or steam and help to remove dust, secretions and allergens from the nasal MUCOSA. Similarly, lubricant eye drops or cold compresses can reduce eye symptoms.

Antihistamines

Help relieve symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy nostrils and itchy inflamed eyes. The older antihistamines (also known as first generation antihistamines) like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or chlorpheniramine (chlortripolon) are very effective for treatment once an allergy has begun, but have the disadvantage of causing side effects like drowsiness, dry mouth and eyes, constipation and urinary retention. They require frequent dosing and their side effects may extend till next day. The newer antihistamines or second generation antihistamines have the advantage of once daily dosing and are non-sedating. They include loratidine ( Claritin) desloratidine (Aerius) fexofenadine( Allegra) and certrizine ( Reactine).

Decongestants

Oral decongestants like pseudoephedrine and phenyephrine are used to relieve nasal congestion and are very effective , especially  pseudoephedrine. They should be used with caution by patients on MAOI antidepressants as well as patient that have high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism or heart disease.

Topical nasal decongestant is another alternative for patients seeking nasal relief, but should not be used for more than three to seven days to avoid rebound congestion.

Herbs

·        Chamomile in the form of a tea is used to reduce the duration of hay fever attacks

• Eucalyptus oil is used in steam inhalation to ease congestion.
• Stinging nettle extract acts as an expectorant and reduces stuffiness and congestion of hay fever.
• Ginger reduces inflammation and also acts as an antimicrobial.
• Liquorice root reduces inflammation.
• St john’s wort capsules are used to relieve sinus headache  

Prescription Treatment

If all fails a visit to the Doctors office is highly recommended. Prescription  alternatives range from getting an allergy shot to getting a prescription for corticosteroid nasal spray. 

To speak with Pharmacist David Bodunde, Rph in person, visit him at the Manitouwadge Pharmacy in the Hallmark Square or call 826-3888 during regular business hours.

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER The opinions expressed on OntarioNewsNorth.com and by David Bodunde,Rph  are published for educational and informational purposes only, and are not intended as a diagnosis, treatment or as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment. Please consult a local physician or other health care professional for your specific health care and/or medical needs or concerns.

Neither OntarioNewsNorth.com nor David Bodunde,Rph  endorse or recommend any commercial products, medical treatments, pharmaceuticals, brand names, processes, or services, or the use of any trade, firm, or corporation name is for the information and education of the viewing public, and the mention of any of the above on OntarioNewsNorth.com does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by OntarioNewsNorth.com or David Bodunde, Rph.