Seasonal allergies and Training
- Geneviève Gagné
- 26 févr. 2016
- 2 min de lecture
Spring is coming!! This is great news for many but for some this time of year marks the start of some very bothersome symptoms:
- Congestion, runny nose (allergic rhinitis), itchy palate and sneezing; - Burning eyes (allergic conjunctivitis); - Asthma (cough, wheezing, chest tightness); and - Increase / persistence in eczema.
Allergies are the result of the reaction of our immune system to allergens (ultimately harmless enemies) that can be seasonal or present at all times (food, animals, and dust mites).
The main culprits in the spring are the buds of trees, in June-July grasses (hay fever) and fall, ragweed.
To avoid / reduce these symptoms, the most effective course is to avoid the allergen but this is often impossible. The first non-pharmacological approaches are to leave y
our windows shut in your home / automobile, do not dry clothes on the line outdoors, and avoid exposure to smoke (tobacco, wood heating).
From there, prevention / treatment are available by taking a daily antihistamine (such Reactine, Claritin, Aerius, Allegra, etc.). Generics and store brands are just as effective, the answer depends on each individual person.
If symptoms continue, you must refine the treatment. For rhinitis, corticosteroid pump could be started before / during the season. If symptoms are substantially concentrated at eye level, there are anti-histamines drops. For asthma, you can take a short bronchodilator action (eg. Ventolin) 20-30 minutes prior to physical exercise but if your symptoms are more regular and important, you should consult a medical professional to adjust your medication. Concerning eczema, make sure to apply a good moisturizer 2 times daily and other types of creams (eg corticosteroids) can be trialed.
For so-called atopic people (combinations of these symptoms, often hereditary), consider starting a regular medication by mouth which inhibits the cascade of reactions triggered by the body (ex. Singulair).
Finally, as a definitive treatment, there is a desensitization vaccine now or by sublingual route (absorbed under the tongue, you can do this from home). There are disadvantages as you can expect a few years of treatment. We can refer you to a medical allergist if you are interested.
Have a wonderful spring and do not hesitate to ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have any questions!
By my friend Geneviève Gagné, Doctor
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