Pharmacists can help deal with seasonal allergies

Spring is finally here, but for those who suffer from allergies it's not all sunshine and flowers. As shifting seasonal patterns delayed spring across the country, experts are predicting a pollen boom, meaning Newfoundlanders can expect more intense allergy symptoms this season.

Allergies for many are not simply an inconvenience – they can have a major impact on our everyday lives. Between wheezing and sneezing, it can be challenging to find relief but, fortunately, pharmacists across the province can not only provide recommendations on the over-the-counter allergy medications for your symptoms, but can also assess and prescribe treatment for allergic rhinitis when appropriate.

At some pharmacies, you can make an appointment to see the pharmacist about your allergy symptoms at a time that's convenient for you.

While seasonal allergies can vary from person to person, the best way to manage seasonal allergies is to get ahead of your symptoms and consult with your local pharmacist before they start – the sooner the better.

To help you get through allergy season, here are some of my tried-and-true tips:

Tackle symptoms early in the day - Start your day on the right foot by taking your allergy medication first thing in the morning. You should always consult your pharmacist regarding the type of allergy medication you're taking, as some may include side effects such as drowsiness.

Exercise in the evening Pollen pickup is the highest in the mornings, so opting for outdoor activities in the evening, like exercise or gardening, will help to lessen the severity of allergy symptoms.

Rainy days can be your friend - Rainfall washes away pollen, making the aftermath of rainstorms the perfect time for allergy sufferers to enjoy the outdoors. In general, checking the forecast is important for allergy sufferers as warm, windy days can negatively impact allergy symptoms.

Cover all your bases Wearing sunglasses or a hat isn't only for protection against UV rays. If you are outdoors doing tasks like gardening or cutting the lawn, be sure to wear sunglasses, a hat, or a mask to keep allergens away from your mouth, eyes and nose.

Reduce alcohol consumption - Research shows alcohol can cause or worsen common allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, headaches and coughing. This is because the bacteria and yeast in alcohol produce histamines that cause allergy symptoms to flare up.

Make sure you are taking the most effective allergy medication for your symptoms - It can be overwhelming looking down the aisle of over-the-counter medication options. For expert and convenient care, be sure to talk with your pharmacist about what will work best for you.