Seasonal Allergies: More Than Just Sneezing – And Your Pharmacist Can Help
As the snow melts and the trees start to bloom, many Canadians breathe a sigh of relief—until allergy season kicks in. For some, this time of year brings more than just a runny nose or watery eyes. Seasonal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis or “hay fever,” can affect your entire quality of life, from your sleep to your energy levels and ability to focus.
At IDA, we’re here to make allergy season more manageable. Whether you’re dealing with classic symptoms or lesser-known ones, your local pharmacist can now assess and prescribe treatments to help you get relief—without the wait to see a doctor.
Seasonal Allergies: It’s Not Just the Sneezing
Most people associate seasonal allergies with sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes. But for many, symptoms can go further than that:
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Postnasal Drip and Sore Throat – Excess mucus can lead to persistent throat irritation or even coughing.
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Sinus Pressure and Headaches – Inflammation in the sinuses can cause pain around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead.
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Itchy Ears and Throat – Not just the nose and eyes! Allergy inflammation can affect your entire upper respiratory tract.
If you're experiencing any of these, it’s worth checking in with your pharmacist to discuss how allergies might be playing a role—and what you can do about it.
Pharmacists Can Now Prescribe for Allergies
One of the best-kept secrets in healthcare? Pharmacists can now prescribe for seasonal allergies. That means no waiting for a doctor’s appointment or suffering through the season with ineffective over-the-counter meds.
After a quick assessment, we can:
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Confirm whether your symptoms are allergy-related
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Recommend and prescribe appropriate treatments (like nasal corticosteroids, antihistamines, or combination therapies)
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Counsel you on how to use medications properly for maximum relief
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Make sure your allergy treatments are safe with your current meds or health conditions
Tips to Stay Ahead of Allergy Season
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Start early – Begin your medications before symptoms peak, especially if you know your triggers (e.g. tree pollen in spring, grass in summer, ragweed in late summer/fall).
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Track pollen levels – On high-count days, try to stay indoors during early mornings when pollen levels are highest.
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Keep windows closed – Especially at night. Use air conditioning if needed and change filters regularly.
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Shower before bed – Washing away pollen from your hair and skin can help reduce nighttime symptoms.
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Use nasal rinses – Saline sprays or rinses can help flush out allergens and reduce congestion naturally.
Let Us Help You Take Control
If you're not sure what’s causing your symptoms—or you’re not getting relief from what you’re currently using—talk to your pharmacist. At your local IDA, we’re trained to help you find answers and solutions, fast. And if prescription treatment is the best option, we can take care of that too.