Severe allergy action plan
The key to staying safe
Anaphylaxis is considered the most serious form of an allergic reaction. It develops swiftly and may even cause death. There are many potential causes of anaphylaxis; however the most common triggers are food and insect stings.
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Nature’s seasonal allergy antihistamine 
Quercetin is the most abundant flavonoid found in plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables and legumes, including: onions, apples, cherries, kale, broccoli, tomatoes, berries and tea. Flavonoids are a natural antioxidant; nutrients with vitamin-like qualities that exert various health-promoting effects on many different tissues. One notable effect of quercetin is its ability to act as a natural antihistamine to manage hay fever, ragweed and other minor, seasonal allergies.
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’Tis the Season to be Sneezing
Sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes…the common symptoms of seasonal allergies, and a sign that spring is in the air. And for approximately 20% of Canadians with seasonal allergies, the spring thaw that sets pollens airborne often makes them want to run for cover.
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Hard to swallow
When food makes you sick
Perhaps the proverb ‘one man’s meat is another man’s poison’ isn’t about preferences. Perhaps it’s really about food. In Canada, 6% of young children and 3-4% of adults are affected by food allergies, and following a world-wide trend, numbers are increasing. And these are only the people who know they have food issues. Countless others – maybe even you – tolerate vague symptoms like headache, fatigue, insomnia, loss of concentration, joint pain or skin conditions without making the connection to menu choices.
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Beating the Pollen Blues
Living in northern climes we anxiously anticipate the coming of spring. Seeing crocuses and tulips defiantly popping out of the sometimes ice clad ground begins to allay our fears of winter never ending. For others however, spring brings with it mixed blessings including the recurrence of dreaded seasonal allergy symptoms. One is often left wondering just how bad they’ll be. 
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Prescription for natural allergy relief
As a pharmacist, one of the most common questions I am asked is, “How can I get fast relief for my allergy symptoms?” With the array of over-the-counter (OTC) rescue medications available, many people turn to pharmacists for help. And while OTC antihistamines and decongestants have an important role in the treatment of allergy symptoms, science has shown that lifestyle factors, diet and supplements can help bring long-lasting relief to allergy sufferers.
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The yearly plague –sneezin’ season!
Spring means one thing to Karen* time to stock up on tissues. The 42-year old, mother of three has suffered from seasonal allergies since she was nine. Years of skipping allergy shots, and staying indoors led to years of taking antihistamines that have finally taken their toll. She’s decided that taking so many may not be good for her and she no longer wants to feel “medicated” and only resorts to medication when her raw, runny nose and red, ‘hay fever’, watery eyes are unbearable.
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Allergy Questions Answered by a Pharmacist
Brought to you by your PharmAssist™ pharmacist.
Did You Know?
• You can develop allergies at any time, although they most commonly begin in childhood.
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