We are currently in the middle of allergy season. This is how you can relieve yourself, says Dr. Marie-Josée Francoeur, pediatric allergist and immunologist, in an interview with TVA Nouvelles.
“Unfortunately, due to global warming, the pollen season has lengthened. It begins as soon as the snow melts and lasts until the first frost. There are three peaks in Quebec. Tree pollen occurs in spring, then grasses and herbaceous plants in mid-summer, and August and September see the third peak with ragweed,” she explains.
“The first thing you can do is put on glasses to protect yourself. This reduces the rate of pollen entering the lining of the eye.
“If we are indoors we will try to keep the windows closed and ideally use a HEPA filter.”
“We will avoid drying clothes outside so the pollen particles don’t stick to your bedding and clothes.”
“For pharmacological treatments, we will prefer non-sedating antihistamines. Go to your pharmacist even if they are available without a prescription. Your pharmacist can also give you access to nasal corticosteroids to reduce problems with nasal congestion and inflammation. There are other prescription treatments as well, such as desensitization, which is the most effective treatment. We have it in the vaccine and also in sublingual tablets.
Watch the full interview in the video above.