Seasonal allergies
If you have reactions to certain things that you breathe, touch or ingest, you are among the 20% of the population who have allergies.
Are you allergic?
We can be allergic to things we breathe, such as dust (and dust mites), animal dander, feathers, cigarette smoke, pollen, mould and certain chemicals. Some substances can irritate our skin on contact, including certain metals (e.g. jewellery), perfumes, plants, fabrics and soap. Finally, ingesting certain foods and drugs can also cause reactions.
The most common allergic reactions
- Rhinitis: itchy, runny nose; congestion; sneezing.
- Asthma: dry cough, tightening of the chest, difficulty breathing, wheezing.
- Eczema: red lesions, scabs, itching in
- areas of the body.
- Urticaria: temporary pinkish or whitish rash, accompanied by burning or itching
- Swelling of the lips, eyelids or throat.
- Itchy skin, mouth or throat.
- Conjunctivitis (tearing, itchy red eyes).
These symptoms may not occur at the same time. Although they are usually mild, they can occasionally become more intense.
Asthmatics are extra-sensitive
Pollen can also aggravate asthma symptoms, making the respiratory tract extremely sensitive. If you have asthma and have allergic reactions, consult your doctor or your pharmacist today to know what to do if your symptoms worsen, or to discuss your treatment options. Then record this information in your action plan against asthma.
Your Brunet-affiliated pharmacist has MaSanté advice sheets on asthma and allergies. Feel free to ask for them.
More questions?
Talk to your pharmacist. After all, your health is all that matters.
Treating allergies
The first step is to identify the substance(s) causing the reaction.
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Relief of cold and flu symptoms
Since both infections (cold and flu) are caused by viruses, antibiotics are ineffective and are therefore not recommended. In certain situations, antivirals can be prescribed; however, in general, these are only effective at reducing the symptoms.
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Frostbite in children
When it’s cold, our body reduces the amount of blood it sends to our extremities in order to conserve heat and protect our vital organs.
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Cold or flu?
Cold and flu symptoms are very similary, but, in general, a cold is not as serious as the flu (influenza).
