Pollen, animals, food or insect stings: The triggers vary, but the discomfort is real. At Brunet, we understand this reality and our professionals are here to guide you and offer solutions tailored to your needs.
Book an appointmentSeasonal allergies vary depending on the time of year, your geographic location and the allergens present in the air. From spring to winter, certain triggers tend to recur and can worsen symptoms. Explore each season to identify what affects you and adopt the right habits at the right time.
Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter
With the return of warmer days, pollen is back in full force, and so are allergies, for many people. But by adopting a few simple habits at the start of the season, symptoms can often be better managed.
In spring, allergies can feel like a recurring cold that lingers, without fever. Here are the main symptoms you may notice:
The main spring triggers are pollens (trees and grasses), which vary depending on the region and windier days. Triggers are often close to home, here is a list of the most common ones:
The goal is to reduce exposure and relieve symptoms early to stay comfortable day to day. A few simple steps, combined with the right products, often make a real difference.
Summer doesn't mean the end of allergies. Between pollen, humidity and outdoor activities, symptoms are still very much present. With a few simple adjustments, you can enjoy the season more comfortably.
They are often similar to those of spring and can be felt both outdoors and indoors. The most common ones include:
In summer, exposure to allergens increases and pollen is one of the main triggers. These can vary depending on where you live, here are a few others:
The focus is first on prevention and limiting exposure as much as possible. Then we look at relief options tailored to your symptoms. If it comes back every summer, it's worth talking to your pharmacist to better identify the cause.
Don't be fooled, fall is often a significant allergy season. Ragweed and mould are usually the main culprits.
Even as the air cools down, allergy symptoms can still linger, sometimes with coughing and headaches. Here are other things to watch for:
One of the main causes that persists across seasons is ragweed. This trigger is especially common in fall and tends to peak in the morning. Other causes are also worth noting:
The most effective approach is to anticipate peak periods and reduce what you bring indoors. Then choose a treatment that works for you to stay in control day after day.
In winter, indoor allergens take over since we spend more time at home. But by controlling our environment, we can often reduce the impact on our health.
They can resemble a cold, but last and keep coming back as long as exposure continues. Here is what is most commonly observed:
In winter, there is less pollen, but indoor allergens (known as "indoor allergies") are just as problematic. Here are a few examples:
The first step is to reduce the concentration of allergens at home, then relieve symptoms as needed, based on your pharmacist's recommendations. A few habits can often make a big difference:
Allergic asthma is a condition closely linked to allergies, the two often go hand in hand. Exposure to allergens such as pollen, mould or animals can increase or worsen symptoms and trigger an asthma attack. If this is the case, book an appointment with your pharmacist, we'll be happy to guide you toward the right health care professionals.
Runny nose, itching, itchy eyes, scratchy throat. Because the symptoms can look alike, here are a few key points to keep in mind so you can react the right way.
Allergies aren't limited to the seasons. Whether they're linked to what we eat or to our pets, they can show up in our daily lives at any time.
Gluten allergy (celiac disease), Crohn's disease, or food intolerances that affect your daily life? At Brunet, we know these situations well and our professionals are able to support you and refer you to the right specialists.
Both dogs and cats can contribute to the development of allergies in some people. The symptoms are similar to those of seasonal allergies: runny or stuffy nose, sneezing and itchy eyes. For others, respiratory problems may also appear. If that is the case, don't wait — talk to our team.
Skin allergies are a reaction of the skin to an allergen: pollen, food, weeds, etc., and can cause redness and itching. It can happen without knowing why or how, and at any time of the year. For that, our pharmacists are able to take care of you and provide treatments adapted to your situation.
To read
Better understand skin reactionsWhen we talk about seasonal allergies, also called hay fever, we also hear about allergic rhinitis. These are allergies that come and go depending on the season. In Quebec, about one in five people is affected by seasonal allergies. Fortunately, there are several treatments available at the pharmacy
Guillaume Simard, pharmacist owner affiliated with Brunet
SAISON 3 — EPISODE 5
In allergy territory
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