Do your itchy eyes and runny nose announce spring's arrival before the weatherman does? One out of every six Canadians suffers from seasonal allergies, and drugstore shelves are packed with antihistamine products - the most common course of therapy. But trying to find the box that best matches your symptoms can be as frustrating as the symptoms themselves. To simplify things, here's a quick and easy guide to your options.
ANTIHISTAMINES
HOW THEY WORK:
Antihistamines neutralize histamine (a natural inflammatory chemical released by the immune system during an allergic reaction), relieving symptoms such as red, swollen and watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose and hives. They have little effect on congestion.
WHAT TO CHOOSE: Older-generation oral remedies, such as Benadryl, can leave you drowsy. Newer products - including Reactine, Claritin and Allegra - work just as well, minus the sedating effects.
HOW THEY WORK: Eyedrops contain a liquid form of antihistamine to calm irritated, red, tearing and itchy eyes. what to choose: Visine Advance allergy eyedrops soothe irritation and eliminate redness. Claritin and Life Brand lines also carry allergy eyedrops.
COMBINATION PRODUCTS
HOW THEY WORK: Antihistamine action teams up with a decongestant to relieve symptoms - red,
swollen and watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose and hives - and clear nasal and sinus congestion without
causing drowsiness. Ingredients in these products narrow blood vessels to clear congestion, which may increase
blood pressure. Those with high blood pressure should consult their doctor or pharmacist before taking these
products.
WHAT TO CHOOSE: Look for brands that treat allergy and sinus symptoms, such as Reactine,
Claritin and Allegra. Aerius blends antihistamine and decongestant effects without the actual decongestant - and
the resulting high blood pressure.
CHOICES BEYOND THE DRUGSTORE
CORTICOSTEROIDS: Used for severe or chronic allergy symptoms, corticosteroids are only effective
after they've been used consistently for several days, or even weeks. They're available by prescription
in nasal spray, eyedrop, pill or liquid form.
IMMUNOTHERAPY: Those with persistent allergies that don't respond to medication may turn
to allergy vaccines or desensitization shots. The shots contain small amounts of allergy-causing
substances and are given on a schedule to gradually increase a patient's tolerance to allergens.
Treatment requires commitment, as it can last up to five years. This treatment is not effective for everyone,
so speak to your doctor to find out if it's right for you.
NEW FOR YOUR NOSE
NASALEZE: Developed in Britain (where it has been used successfully for more than a decade),
Nasaleze is an all-natural nasal allergy spray. Made of plant cellulose, this fine mist creates an extra-protective
barrier against allergens and enhances your body's own defences.
FYI: If both parents have allergies, their children have a 66 percent chance of developing allergies. The risk drops to 60 percent with only one allergic parent.