The Costco Connection - May/June 2010

for your health

Allergic rhinitis is nothing to sneeze at

Some medications combine antihistamines with decongestants in order to combat the stuffy nose as well, but these can cause stimulant effects, raising heart rate, blood pressure and blood sugar, among other things, and are not suitable for people with specific medical conditions. Desloratadine (Aerius) is the only antihistamine to also relieve nasal congestion without stimulant effects.

CORBIS/RF

You can use an antihistamine for as long as you have symptoms without any harmful long-term side effects.

By Joseph Hanna

Here are some of the most common questions about treating allergic rhinitis.

a regular basis before you are exposed to the allergen. The older antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), although generally faster acting, need to be taken up to four times per day and may cause sedation and impairment of daytime work or academic performance, even if taken only at night.

ALLERGIC RHINITIS IS the medical term for a runny nose due to hay fever allergies. Allergic rhinitis occurs when airborne allergens cause inflammation of the membranes in the nose, resulting in a runny or stuffy nose; itchy eyes, nose and/or throat; and sneezing. Symptoms may resolve without treatment; however, left untreated these symptoms may lead to fatigue, poor concentration and lowered productivity.

What other products are there?

There are many brands of nasal saline solution that may help clear the nose. Prescription and non-prescription antihistamine and decongestant drops for the eyes or nose target symptoms directly.

Prescription nasal steroid sprays are a good option for some, often in combination with other medications. C

Because 19 to 38 per cent of patients with a history of allergic rhinitis also have asthma, treatment of rhinitis improves asthma control and vice versa. This is based on the idea that the nose and the lungs are part of the same system. Allergic rhinitis has been categorized as seasonal for symptoms present during a specific period of outdoor allergen exposure and perennial for year-round symptoms due to dust mites, animal dander and indoor moulds.

Newer, slightly more expensive antihistamines, such as cetirizine (Reactine), lorati-dine (Claritin), fexofenadine (Allegra) and desloratadine (Aerius), cause less drowsiness and are a good once-a-day alternative. Because most of these come in flavoured liquid formulations, children can also benefit.

Pharmacy professional services manager.

Joseph Hanna, B.Sc. Phm, CDE, CGP, is a Costco

This really seems to describe me;
what can I do?

Typically, you would start with allergen avoidance where possible and feasible. Recommended practices include monitoring pollen counts, removing pets—especially cats—from the house or at least from the bedroom, avoiding cigarette smoke and removing carpeting, depending on your particular allergy triggers.

The next step is to try antihistamines, which are all equally effective in relieving itching, sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes, although you may find that one antihistamine works better for you than the others. These drugs work best when used on

The Costco Connection

In addition to carrying to a variety of allergy medications year round, this spring Costco Pharmacy is hosting an Allergy and Asthma Clinic in every location. Trained health-care professionals will work with Costco pharmacists to assess members’ needs and address their concerns. Check your local Costco Pharmacy for clinic dates and times.