Pharmacists say December can be a season of sneezes

 (MINNEAPOLIS) Whether it's pine tree pollen, mold from an improperly-stored artificial trees or scented candles, the things some people enjoy most about the holidays can cause bouts of sneezing for many of us. However there are ways to plan the holiday season in order to help control allergies. For those who plan to "deck their halls" over the next couple of weeks, Cub Pharmacist Doug White, offers a few tips on avoiding or decreasing the risk of allergies during your holiday season.

Think Out of the Box   Nuts, shellfish, shrimp, crab, and fruitcakes are common holiday indulgences that may cause allergic reactions. Find out in advance if your guests have these allergies and be sure to remind them which dishes they should avoid. If you're hosting a potluck gathering, be sure to coordinate the offerings to make sure every guest will have several dishes they can safely enjoy.

Bring out the Sparkle Holiday decorations may gather dust or mold during a year of storage in the attic or basement. Giving decorations a thorough dusting before putting them on display can reduce the risk of releasing additional allergens into the air. And at the same time, the extra polishing can help decorations shine like new.

Prep Before You Trim Many live Christmas trees are cut months beforehand and stored in cramped, damp areas, making them susceptible to allergy-producing molds. Spraying the tree down outside with a water hose and letting it dry in the sun before bringing it inside usually can help reduce allergens. Also, some types of trees may pollinate during the winter, so consider using a leaf blower to remove visible pollen grains and spraying with a hose before bringing those varieties inside. Of course, the best way to avoid these allergies is to use an artificial tree.

Talk to your Cub pharmacist or healthcare professional  There are medications that can help minimize the symptoms associated with allergies. Choosing the right medication can become confusing due to the number of different options available but your pharmacist can help you suggest the right choice for you.

Q&A:

Q: Can people really be allergic to the Holidays?
A: People aren't allergic to the holidays, but they can be allergic to many of the things the season brings. Allergies triggered by food, dust, mold, smoke and even perfumed fragrances are relatively common.

Q: What happens during an "allergy attack?"
A: The immune system normally protects the body against harmful substances such as bacteria and viruses, but it can also react to foreign substances called allergens. When a person with allergies comes in contact with an allergen, their body releases chemicals called histamines to try to fight off the allergen. This can cause signs and symptoms such as itching, swelling, runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes among other symptoms, which vary from person to person.

Q: What are common triggers for allergies?
A: Common triggers include pollen, mold, pet dander and dust. During the holidays, many other triggers may be present. Scented candles, potpourri, incense, and other heavily scented items can provoke allergy symptoms and should be avoided by certain individuals. Soy candles and beeswax candles are safer and less likely to trigger allergies.

Q: What are some of the relief options available for those who suffer from allergies?
A: The first step in treating allergies is trying to avoid any allergens that are known to trigger allergic reactions. When this is not possible, there is a wide variety of over-the-counter medications that can help relieve the symptoms. Ask your pharmacist for help with choosing a product that is right for you. He or she may recommend:

• Nasal products, such as saline solution, may relieve mucosal irritation and dryness. They can help decrease nasal stuffiness, runny nose, and sneezing.
• Decongestant nasal sprays, such as Afrin, are also helpful for a stuffy nose due to allergies. Do not use these products for more than a few days, because they can cause a "rebound" effect and make the congestion worse. Decongestants in pill form, such as Sudafed, do not cause this problem. 
• Antihistamines can be helpful for allergy relief. Antihistamines, such as Benadryl, come in many forms such as capsules, disintegrating tablets, and liquid. Some antihistamines are only taken once daily, while others can be taken several times a day. Common side effects are drowsiness and dry mouth, although some products are less sedating than others. 
• When OTC medications are not enough, see your physician. He or she may be able to help you find relief with a decongestant or antihistamine available only by prescription.

Information provided by SUPERVALU Clinical Programs division.

References:
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Holiday Allergies. Available at: http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=9&sub=18&cont=230. Accessed on November 27, 2009

WebMD. Allergies Guide. Available at: http://www.webmd.com/allergies/guide/allergy-symptoms-types. Accessed on November 27, 2009

YourLungHealth. Allergy and Asthma Health. Available at: http://www.yourlunghealth.org/healthy_living/aah/11.08/articles/holiday_tips/. Accessed on November 27, 2009

Scolaro KL. Disorders Related to Colds and Allergy. Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. American Pharmacists Association, 2006. 15th Edition, 201-228.

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