Allergies and hay fever are common conditions in Canada, caused by an overreaction of the body’s immune system to things like pollen. Symptoms vary, but typically include sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, itchy eyes, nose or throat and coughing. The prevalence of allergies is increasing in Canada due to not only changes in the environment, but in our lifestyles as well. In addition to being uncomfortable and inconvenient, allergies can also cause serious health problems such as asthma if not properly treated.
Fortunately, there are lots of ways to alleviate allergy symptoms depending on your preference
Pharmaceutical treatments for allergies include antihistamines which reduce inflammation and block histamine release from cells; nasal decongestants; and corticosteroids which reduce inflammation. Anti-allergy medications are available in many forms, such as tablets, capsules, nasal sprays and liquids.3
In addition to pharmaceuticals, researchers are exploring ways to complement drug therapy.4
Managing your diet can also be beneficial for managing allergies. Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables is important as these contain antioxidants which help protect against oxidative damage from allergens. Researchers have shown that diets marked by greater intake of meats pose a risk for asthma and hay fever.5
City planners in the early days often opted for male trees as they didn’t produce fruit which meant – less mess. This idea was referred to as ‘botanical sexism’ and countless publications wrote about how urban landscapers were to blame for the crippling allergens floating around our cities. However, the tables have turned, and planners are now looking at planting more female trees which not only produce less pollen but actually trap pollen from the air.6,7
Some lifestyle changes may also help minimize flare-ups include:
- Keeping windows closed when pollen counts are high
- Showering after spending time outdoors
- Wearing sunglasses when outside
- Avoiding heavily scented products like perfumes
- Changing clothes after being outdoors.
Finally, a range of dietary supplements may be beneficial for allergies. One such product is Allergy Relief, which can be found in the form of tablets. By exposing yourself to small amounts of common flowering species, you help prepare your body for the eventual pollen onslaught that we call Spring. The perk is that Allergy Relief is non-drowsy, so you don’t have to worry about it affecting your productivity.
In summary, the best way to manage allergies and hay fever in Canada might be to combine pharmaceutical treatments with lifestyle changes and supplements tailored to your individual needs. This approach can minimize discomfort while helping you get back to doing what you love!
Reference
- Anderegg, William RL, et al. "Anthropogenic climate change is worsening North American pollen seasons." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 118.7 (2021): e2013284118.
- Sierra-Heredia, Cecilia, et al. "Aeroallergens in Canada: distribution, public health impacts, and opportunities for prevention." International journal of environmental research and public health 15.8 (2018): 1577.
- José, Jéssica, et al. "Interventions Delivered in the Community Pharmacy to Manage Allergic Rhinitis-A Systematic Review of the Literature." Pharmacy 8.2 (2020): 80.
- Bergmann, Karl-Christian, et al. "Nonpharmacological measures to prevent allergic symptoms in pollen allergy: A critical review." Allergologie Select 5 (2021): 349.
- Rosenkranz, Richard R., Sara K. Rosenkranz, and Kelly JJ Neessen. "Dietary factors associated with lifetime asthma or hayfever diagnosis in Australian middle-aged and older adults: a cross-sectional study." Nutrition Journal 11 (2012): 1-12.
- Wolf, Kathleen L., et al. "Urban trees and human health: A scoping review." International journal of environmental research and public health 17.12 (2020): 4371.
- Schmidt, Charles W. "Pollen overload: seasonal allergies in a changing climate." (2016): A70-A75.
