How to effectively control pollen allergies

Although not the only allergen responsible for seasonal allergic rhinitis, ragweed pollen is the leading cause of this reaction in northeastern North America in summer and fall. It is estimated to account for up to 90% of seasonal allergies.[1] Therefore, it is of particular concern to the Quebec public health network.

However, it is not the only allergy risk; other potentially allergenic pollens are also present during the spring bloom.

The Quebec Ministry of Health and Social Services has recognized the problem. In 2015, it implemented the Stratégie québécoise de réduction de l’herbe à poux et des autres pollens allergènes, which aims to significantly reduce their health impact. Currently deployed in several regions, this strategy incorporates control measures into municipal grounds maintenance practices.

Although promising, government action remains limited. That's why everyone sensitive to pollen should protect themselves. A few simple measures can help build an effective barrier against allergens:

1. Prevent ragweed from growing on your property. Use mulch or ground cover with no grass or plant other vegetation.
2. Pull up ragweed as soon as you see it (by hand or with a garden tool) and dispose of it with the garbage (do not put it in the compost as it may contaminate it).
3. Check your local Allergy Outlook and avoid going outside when pollen counts are high (often in the morning, on hot, dry or windy days).
4. Avoid areas with high pollen counts (fields and untended land).
5. Do not dry your clothes outside during troublesome periods.
6. If possible, keep your home and car windows closed.
7. Use an air conditioning system that recycles the air in your home or has a pollen filter (beware of air exchangers that can allow pollen into your home).
8. Change your clothes and wash up as soon as you get home to eliminate pollen particles on your hair and skin.
9. Flush your nose with a saline solution.
10. Avoid contact with other irritants, such as tobacco smoke, moulds, and fumes from vehicles and factories, which can aggravate allergy symptoms.

For the most common symptoms, feel free to ask your pharmacist for an assessment of the various treatments available for your condition:

• Second-generation oral antihistamines such as cetirizine (Reactine®), desloratadine (Aerius®) and loratadine (Claritin®) are first-line treatments to reduce runny nose, itching and sneezing [4]
• Topical nasal corticosteroids reduce nasal passage inflammation
• Topical antihistamines (nasal or ocular) are helpful as a supplement or for more isolated symptoms in some people. Some are available over the counter, while others require a prescription from a doctor or pharmacist.

What about diphenhydramine (Benadryl®)? Although many people use this first-generation antihistamine to relieve their seasonal allergy symptoms, it is not an optimal choice. It is often less effective and causes more side effects than second-generation antihistamines.

If over-the-counter medications do not provide relief, testing for specific allergens with patch tests or serum immunoglobulin E may help determine the appropriate treatment.[5]

Depending on the results, the doctor may suggest a desensitization protocol. This treatment aims to reduce the body's sensitivity to the substance causing the allergy, thus significantly reducing allergic reactions. It consists of administering a small dose of the substance to which the person is allergic. Over several months or years, the dose gradually increases from one visit to the next. This approach may provide long-term benefits, even after the treatment ends.

With global warming accelerating, seasonal rhinitis is likely to affect more and more people and with greater intensity. Therefore, it is essential to act preventively and take advantage of the many solutions available to minimize the effects of allergens. 

That way, you'll have better protection and enjoy the summer more, whether in the city or the countryside.

We offer services that can help your doctor screen for more than 650 allergens.

• Allergy testing

If you have any questions or would like more information, contact our customer service number at 1-833-590-2712.