http://www.aerius.ca/community RSS News feed EN May 2012 http://www.aerius.ca/community/story/come-meet-an-allergy-specialist-at-the-allergy-clinics Join us for the Allergy Clinics, which are back for the third year in a row!

An allergist and a pharmacist will be on site in the healthcare section sponsored by Merck to help you understand your allergies and how best to manage them.


Browse the schedule to find an AERIUS^® Allergy Clinic near you!

Schedule - Allergy Clinics**

PACIFIC CENTRE, 700 West George Street, Vancouver
Wednesday, May 9: 10:00am-7:00pm
Thursday, May 10: 10:00am-9:00pm
Friday, May 11: 10:00am-9:00pm
Saturday, May 12: 10:00am-7:00pm

The Allergy Clinics will take place near the Michael Kors shop located in the Pacific Centre.


WEST EDMONTON MALL, 1755, 8882 170 Street, Edmonton
Thursday, May 24: 10:00am-9:00pm
Friday, May 25: 10:00am-9:00pm
Saturday, May 26: 10:00am-9:00pm
Sunday, May 27: 11:00am-6:00pm

The Allergy Clinics will take place near the Deep Sea Adventure Lake of the West Edmonton Mall


TORONTO EATON CENTRE, 220 Yonge Street, Toronto
Thursday, May 31: 10:00am-9:00pm
Friday, June 1: 10:00am-9:00pm
Saturday, June 2: 9:30am-7:00pm
Sunday, June 3: 11:00am-6:00pm

The Allergy Clinics will take place near the Jacob shop located in the Eaton Centre.


SQUARE ONE SHOPPING CENTRE
Thursday, June 7: 10:00am-9:00pm
Friday, June 8: 10:00am-9:00pm
Saturday, June 9: 9:30am-7:00pm
Sunday, June 10: 11:00am-7:00pm

The Allergy Clinics will take place near the central court in the Eaton Centre.


COMPLEXE DESJARDINS
Tuesday, August 14: 9:30am-6:00pm
Wednesday, August 15: 9:30am-6:00pm
Thursday, August 16: 9:30am-9:00pm
Friday, August 17: 9:30am-9:00pm

The Allergy Clinics will take place in the Grande Place of the Complexe Desjardins.


CARREFOUR LAVAL, 3035 Carrefour Blvd., Laval
Thursday, August 23: 10:00am-9:00pm
Friday, August 24: 10:00am-9:00pm
Saturday, August 25: 9:00am-5:00pm
Sunday, August 26: 10:00am-5:00pm

The Allergy Clinics will take place near the Guess shop located in the Carrefour Laval


*The allergists on site will answer your questions, offer information about allergies in general, and share tips for relieving allergy sympoms, but they will not be making diagnoses, conducting allergy tests, nor giving personal consultations during the Allergy Clinics.

^®Registered trademark of MSD International Holdings Gmbh, used under license.

**The places, dates and opening hours of Allergy Clinics may change without notice. Please consult www.lifewithallergies.ca daily to confirm details on the schedule.

The opinions expressed by the health professionals on site belong solely to the health professionals, are based on their knowledge and expertise, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Merck Canada Inc.

If you think that you suffer from allergy symptoms, please consult a health professional to confirm the diagnosis.

To get a definite diagnosis about your allergy symptoms, consult your health professional at their usual place of business.

]]> April 2012 http://www.aerius.ca/community/story/can-aerius-be-taken-with-citrus-juice
The truth is that grapefruit contains a specific substance that can react with other molecules and when certain medications are ingested, they undergo a transformation. In some cases, this transformation helps activate the medication while in other circumstances, it renders it ineffective. However, in most cases, the body seeks to produce less toxic and less active molecules than at the beginning and some molecules are eliminated without ever undergoing any transformation. In fact, the enzymes responsible for this transformation are found mainly in the liver or the intestine.

There is a substance contained in the grapefruit and its juice that reduces the activity of one of the aforementioned enzymes. Lowered activity results in a diminished transformation of the medication that is usually activated or deactivated by this enzyme. A kind of ‘traffic” is created at the transformation phase, consequently increasing the concentrations of the intact molecule in the blood stream. In most cases, the medication’s unwanted effects, including toxicity, tend to increase and some serious complications may occur.

Desloratadine is a drug that is transformed before being eliminated by the body. However, the enzyme responsible for this transformation is not affected by grapefruit or grapefruit juice. This means that eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice will not negatively interact with desloratadine.

To find out if your medication is affected by citrus fruits, talk to your pharmacist.

The views expressed are solely those of the author based on his/her knowledge and expertise and do not necessarily represent the views of the manufacturer.

If you think you are experiencing allergy symptoms, please consult your healthcare professional for a definitive diagnosis.
]]> April 2012 http://www.aerius.ca/community/story/my-antihistamines-dont-work-what-can-i-do
To get the most out of antihistamines, it’s best to take them about one hour prior to exposure to allergens to avoid an immediate allergic reaction from occurring. To some extent this will help lessen the intensity of a late onset reaction and minimize the seriousness of nasal congestion. In the case of daily exposure to one or more allergens and to experience maximum benefits, it’s strongly recommended that antihistamines be taken on a regular basis rather than on a need only basis.

When symptoms aren’t suitably controlled and medication is taken based on allergen exposure, then it’s time to consult with your physician and see if a prescription anti-inflammatory nasal spray and/or eye drops containing a topical antihistamine aren’t the best course of treatment.

The views expressed are solely those of the author based on his knowledge and expertise and do not necessarily represent the views of the manufacturer.

If you think you are experiencing allergy symptoms, please consult your healthcare professional for a definitive diagnosis.
]]> April 2012 http://www.aerius.ca/community/story/hormonal-changes-and-allergies-can-menopause-pregnancy-or-any-other-hormonal-changes-affect-my-allergies-are-these-changes-lifelong
It is important to recognize that it is common for pregnant women to experience nasal congestion in the absence of allergies and this is hypothesized to be a direct effect of hormones circulating in pregnancy. Pregnant women can also feel more short of breath due to the reduction in space for lung expansion due to the uterus and growing fetus taking up room. Some of these essentially normal manifestations of pregnancy could be confused with allergy or asthma symptoms.

Menopause is a unique hormonal status shift, and although there is increasing interest in the physiologic changes associated with it, our understanding of these changes is not extensive at the moment. There is very little data on how nasal allergy symptoms change with menopause.

There is little data regarding the natural history of changes in allergy symptoms seen in menopause, and whether or not they will persist. However, we do know that the immune system changes with increasing age, at least in part independently of hormonal changes, and this can be expected to modify allergy symptoms too.

To summarize: allergy symptoms can change as one’s hormonal status changes, but whether they change for the better or worse, or remain the same, varies from one individual to another even if their overall hormonal backgrounds are similar. Therefore, there is a need for vigilance, and appropriate follow-up with one’s treating physicians to address any changes, and to ensure adequate control of symptoms. This is not only important for a woman’s health and quality of life, but in the case of pregnancy, also important for fetal health.

The views expressed are solely those of the author based on his/her knowledge and expertise and do not necessarily represent the views of the manufacturer.

If you think you are experiencing allergy symptoms, please consult your healthcare professional for a definitive diagnosis.
]]> March 2012 http://www.aerius.ca/community/story/prepare-yourself-for-spring
Personally, spring always seems to be bitter sweet. On one hand, I’m excited that the season I appreciate less, winter, is over but on the other hand, spring brings quite a lot of challenges in terms on coping with my allergies. In the winter, all the elements of nature are frozen, so the only allergen I have to deal with is dust. However, in the spring nature unfreezes and everything starts to bloom. By the time May shows up, nature is in full blooming mode and my allergies are through the roof!

With time, I have learned that by preparing myself in advance for this storm of pollen and greens, I manage to deal with my symptoms much better. As of March, my routine is quite simple; I always plan my spring cleaning earlier than later. This means, I tend to clean my house more towards the end of winter than towards the beginning of spring. By cleaning and dusting while nature is still frozen outside, I avoid having to deal with my allergies to dust as well as pollen. I use to clean towards April with all the windows opened and realized this did not help in any way in me controlling my allergy symptoms. By cleaning earlier, such as mid-March, I get to open the windows and clean without having to deal with outdoor allergies.

For those of you who will follow my advice and clean in March, please make sure you wear warm clothes as I wouldn’t want you catching a cold because of me!

Another change I apply to my routine when comes along is changing the time when I practice outdoor activities, I tend to stay in during the morning hours as the pollen index is stronger then. Therefore, instead of taking a nice morning walk, I take a nice evening jog. Not only does this help in controlling my seasonal allergy symptoms but it's also fun as it mixes things up in my life! Last but not least, I stay truthful to my year round helpers such as saline nasal spray that I used at least once a day everyday and my antihistaminic that I take every morning.

With the use of these few tips and a little common sense, I find it quite easy to overcome the nuisances of allergies.

The views expressed are solely those of the author based on his/her knowledge and expertise and do not necessarily represent the views of the manufacturer.

If you think you are experiencing allergy symptoms, please consult your healthcare professional for a definitive diagnosis.
]]> December 2011 http://www.aerius.ca/community/story/erikas-blog-tips-and-tricks-to-relieve-allergies
Initially, I started taking an antihistamine everyday, and I decided to take the 24 hour kind because that way I don’t have to think about it and, for me, it works all day long. Trust me, I know this, as I use to wake up and start sneezing non-stop almost every night. I must mention that I do have a strong allergy to dust, so anywhere that I am, I have allergies.

I recently discovered another, non-invasive way to relieve my allergy symptoms, it’s as simple as a saline solution nasal spray. I use it mostly in the morning to start my day. I chose a nasal spray that is made from 100% natural source solution because I wanted a top quality product that would be gentle on my nose. When I’m in the city I use it only once a day, I usually spray a couple of shots in each nostril when I’m in the shower. But when on vacation in hotels, I use it more often since there’s generally a lot of carpeting inside and a lot of plants outside.
These are just a few tips that helped me better live with allergies; they’re certainly worth a try! I hope this can help you as much as it helps me, nobody should have to live with allergies!

The views expressed are solely those of the author based on her knowledge and experience and do not necessarily represent the views of the manufacturer.

If you think you are experiencing allergy symptoms, please consult your healthcare professional for a definitive diagnosis.
]]> November 2011 http://www.aerius.ca/community/story/winter-allergies-411-how-to-prevent-and-treat-allergies-to-pets-and-dust
Reducing dust mite levels in the home is difficult but can improve allergy symptoms significantly. The most important area to focus on is the bedroom, since it is where we spend the most time in one place. Wash the bed sheets and pillow covers weekly in hot water (over 55^oC) to kill dust mites, as cool water and detergent does not kill them. Pillows and stuffed toys can be washed as above or simply put in the dryer every two weeks to kill the dust mites. Replacing pillows and mattresses is not practical, as dust mite repopulate these within a few months. Zippered, dust-proof mattress and box spring covers are important because they trap mites and their allergens inside, allowing the outer cover to be easily wiped down and cleaned. Vacuuming the mattress and carpets may remove large dust particles but not fine allergenic dust particles. Standard portable vacuums often stir up dust mite particles and temporarily increase allergen levels, so use a face mask. A central vacuum or one with a high-efficiency air filter is preferred. As dust mite particles are somewhat heavy, they don’t circulate in the air unless disturbed by walking or vacuuming, so even a high-efficiency air filter is not as efficient at removing dust mite allergens as it is for removing the lighter animal dander particles. Fewer carpets means fewer areas for dust mites to live in and animal dander to get trapped in, so this is preferred.

Reducing the number of dust-collecting articles in the bedroom will also help; for example by limiting the number of bookshelves or enclosing them, and avoiding upholstered furniture and fabric blinds, or cleaning them regularly.

Since children often play with only a few favourite stuffed toys, the rest can be cleaned as above and placed in a see-through zippered bag in the child’s room so that he or she can still see them but they do not collect dust.

If there are animals in the home causing allergy symptoms and it is not possible to find a new home for them, then reducing pet exposure may help. The main allergens in cats and dogs are from shed skin (dander), saliva and skin secretions. Keep the pet out of the bedroom even when you are not there. Keep it groomed and, if possible, shampooed regularly to reduce the amount of allergens it can shed. Certain sprays are available to reduce allergen shedding from the hair and skin. Restrict the pet to non-carpeted areas if possible, and do not sit in the pet’s favourite chair. Wash your hands after handling the pet, as touching your eyes and nose afterward can cause allergic reactions.

Lastly, regular use of allergy medication can help allergy sufferers through the winter allergy season.

The views expressed here are solely those of the author based on his/her knowledge and expertise and do not necessarily represent the views of the manufacturer.

If you think you are experiencing allergy symptoms, please consult your healthcare professional for a definitive diagnosis.
]]> October 2011 http://www.aerius.ca/community/story/discover-what-you-didnt-know-about-winter-allergies
The winter cold can also cause skin reactions, such as eczema and hives. Eczema often worsens in winter due to dry conditions, indoor heat and the tendency to take longer, hotter showers or baths, which dry the skin. Wearing wool clothing directly on the skin can also aggravate eczema because wool is a very irritating fabric. Moisturizing the skin to control eczema is important, but some people react to the fragrance or lanolin in some of these. Hives (urticaria) can sometimes occur after the skin is cooled by being outside in winter or swimming in cold water, and then warmed up. This is called “cold urticaria,” and can develop after a viral infection. It often goes away after a few months. Animal allergic people should watch out for sleigh rides.

Cuddling up in a horse blanket full of horse dander with the sweat and dander blowing from the horse onto them can cause severe allergy symptoms, such as swelling of the face and wheezing. Those travelling south in winter should test their sunscreen on a small patch of sensitive skin, such as the abdomen, to make sure they are not allergic. Poison ivy sufferers travelling to the tropics in winter should be cautious about contact with mango plants and pollen, which can cause widespread poison ivy-like rashes, since mango is related to poison ivy.

The views expressed here are solely those of the author based on his/her knowledge and expertise and do not necessarily represent the views of the manufacturer.

If you think you are experiencing allergy symptoms, please consult your healthcare professional for a definitive diagnosis.
]]> September 2011 http://www.aerius.ca/community/story/allergies-in-children-when-should-an-allergist-be-consulted
When your child is referred to an allergist, depending on their age, you can give them a brief description of what will happen in order to lessen the fear of skin tests: explain to the child that small drops will be applied to their forearm, and that the skin under these drops will be lightly scratched to find out what they are allergic to. This test is fast and hardly painful. There is no specific time of the year to undergo allergy tests; however, antihistamines must not be taken for at least two days before the appointment.

The views expressed are solely those of the author based on his knowledge and expertise and do not necessarily represent the views of the manufacturer.

If you think you are experiencing allergy symptoms, please consult your healthcare professional for a definitive diagnosis.
]]> September 2011 http://www.aerius.ca/community/story/are-allergies-hereditary
The views expressed are solely those of the author based on his knowledge and expertise and do not necessarily represent the views of the manufacturer.

If you think you are experiencing allergy symptoms, please consult your healthcare professional for a definitive diagnosis.
]]> August 2011 http://www.aerius.ca/community/story/treatments-in-addition-to-oral-antihistamines-part-1
Saline solutions

To start with, application of non-medicated saline solutions to the nose and/or eyes can help to wash away allergens and irritants from these areas. Saline rinses for nasal passages also reduce the viscosity of nasal secretions and wash out excess amounts of mucus. Commercial mixes of salt and sodium bicarbonate for nasal/sinus rinses can be purchased at pharmacies without a prescription. These mixtures reduce the discomfort associated with water-only rinses. Alternatively, recipes for homemade mixtures can be used, usually consisting of 3/4 teaspoon of non-iodized salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate mixed into 250 ml of water that has first been boiled and then cooled. Standing over a sink, the preparation is instilled into one nostril using a squirt bottle and allowed to drain out the other side of the nose.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist for non-medicated saline solutions available on the market.

The views expressed are solely those of the author based on his/her knowledge and expertise and do not necessarily represent the views of the manufacturer.

If you think you are experiencing allergy symptoms, please consult your healthcare professional for a definitive diagnosis.

]]> August 2011 http://www.aerius.ca/community/story/a-glossary-of-allergy-and-immunology-terms Allergen: any substance (usually a protein, but not always) that can trigger an allergic response.

Allergen Immunotherapy: a treatment for allergy consisting of administration of the substance triggering the allergic reaction in gradually incrementing doses until a target maintenance dose is reached. This is done according to a schedule, usually over several months, and is then followed by administration of the maintenance dose every month for several years. This treatment modifies the patient’s immune response to the allergen, shifting it away from the allergic type of response to one that poses no danger. Immunotherapy is administered by subcutaneous injection in North America, and also sublingually in certain parts of the world such as Europe.

Allergic Salute: a gesture commonly observed in nasal allergy sufferers consisting of rubbing the nose upward with the hand to alleviate irritation and/or wipe away secretions.

Allergic Crease: a crease seen at or below the bridge of the nose in nasal allergy sufferers, caused by repeated rubbing of the nose upwards.

Allergic Reaction: the symptoms caused by the release of histamine and other inflammatory substances in the body after certain cells of the immune system, the mast cells, have encountered an allergen. Allergic reactions can consist of hives on the skin, itchiness of the mouth, nose, eyes and ears, sneezing, watery eyes, increased nasal secretions and congestion, constriction of the airways, even gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. Severe allergic reactions can lead to decreased blood pressure with loss of consciousness.

Allergic Rhinitis: an allergic reaction occurring in the nose and typically consisting of sneezing, increased nasal secretions, and nasal congestion.

Allergic Shiners: the dark or bluish colouration seen around the eyes of allergy sufferers, resembling bruises, caused by congestion of the blood circulation in the veins due to the inflammation associated with allergies.

Angioedema: soft tissue swelling seen in some allergic reactions. It is similar to hives but occurs at a deeper level in and below the skin.

Allergy: a misguided response of the immune system characterized by production of IgE antibodies to substances that are not in and of themselves dangerous. The body reacts by liberating substances that cause allergic symptoms mentioned and listed above.

Anaphylaxis: a severe allergic reaction whose features may include one or a combination of the following life-threatening manifestations: decreased blood pressure, loss of consciousness, swelling of upper airway structures, and constriction of the airways (bronchoconstriction). Anaphylaxis can also describe an allergic reaction that involves more than just one organ system, for example, a person experiencing hives and vomiting can be said to be having an anaphylactic reaction.

Antibody: a protein made by the B cells of the immune system that can recognize specific substances (usually proteins, but sometimes other kinds of substances) and identify them for further immune actions, or neutralize them in the case of certain microbial invaders or toxins. Also known as immunoglobulin.

Antigen: A substance to which the immune system can react.

Antihistamine Drugs: medications that block the action of histamine, a naturally occurring substance in our bodies that causes many of the symptoms associated with allergies.

Anti-inflammatory Drugs: medications that suppress inflammation, an important process in immunity. Sometimes inflammation is beneficial and should not necessarily be suppressed, as in the context of fighting off microbial infections, and sometimes it is harmful, as in allergic reactions, and needs to be subdued.

Bronchodilator: a medication that relaxes and opens up the airways in the lungs. It is commonly administered by an inhaler device, or by a nebulizing machine, and even intravenously in some cases. It provides symptom relief to patients with difficulty breathing related to an allergic reaction.

Contact Dermatitis: a skin rash caused by an over-reaction of the immune system to a substance applied to the skin, such as a metal, or certain cosmetics. The rash can appear red, be itchy, and sometimes small blisters called vesicles are present.

Corticosteroid Drugs: a class of medication with potent immunosuppressive properties, often used to treat allergies.

Eosinophils: a type of immune cell that is useful to combat parasitic infections and that is implicated in allergic reactions.

Food Allergy: A misguided immune response to food, where the food is perceived by the body’s immune system as something dangerous. An inflammatory response is mounted to the food, typically involving a kind of antibody known as IgE.

Food Sensitivity: This is a broad term that may include intolerance and allergy, indicating that a person reacts adversely to a food, regardless of the mechanism behind the reaction.

Histamine: a naturally occurring substance found notably in mast cells, a kind of immune cell, that is released from the mast cell when an allergen has been detected. It causes itchiness of the skin, eyes, nose and sometimes mouth, as well as increased blood flow in the organ where it is released. It triggers narrowing of the air passageways in the lungs.

Immune System: the system in the body that is responsible for fighting infections and cancer. Many cells and organs make up the immune system. The immune system can also cause allergies, or autoimmune disease when it over-reacts to certain substances (foreign substances in the case of allergies, and substances coming from one’s own body in the case of autoimmune disease).

Immunoglobulins: another term for antibodies.

Immunotherapy: a broad term for any treatment or therapy that modifies an immune response. Commonly, this term is used interchangeably with allergen immunotherapy. Inflammation: a process mediated by the immune system that leads to increased blood flow to an area of the body that has been damaged by trauma and/or invaded by microbes or foreign substances. The increased blood flow attracts immune cells to the site of damage/microbial invasion and leads to the production of substances that can help to fight infection, and heal damaged tissue.

Lymphocyte: a kind of immune cell that has many functions in an immune response. Different kinds of lymphocytes have different functions, ranging from antibody production, to directing the kind of immune response that takes place, and controlling the extent of the immune response.

Mast Cell: a kind of immune cell with an important role in allergies, as it is the cell that releases histamine and other substances once it has detected the presence of an allergen, which cause the symptoms associated with allergies.

Occupational Allergens : substances encountered in the workplace, specific to the workplace, that can trigger allergic reactions.

Perennial Allergic Rhinitis : nasal allergies that are present all year-round, triggered by a substance that is present in the environment all year-round.

Pollen : a particle involved in plant reproduction that can trigger allergic reactions during specific seasons in some individuals.

Respiratory System : the organs involved in breathing, starting with the nose, going all the way to the lungs, and including all the structures in between through which air passes.

Urticaria: a rash occurring in the upper layers of the skin characterized by itchy welts and wheals, i.e. swelling, and redness. Often a manifestation of allergy, although it can often also be seen when no allergies have been identified.

The views expressed are solely those of the author based on his/her knowledge and expertise and do not necessarily represent the views of the manufacturer.

If you think you are experiencing allergy symptoms, please consult your healthcare professional for a definitive diagnosis.


]]> August 2011 http://www.aerius.ca/community/story/discover-the-ideal-allergy-medication-for-you
Over-the-counter antihistamines are commonly divided into two main groups: 1) first generation products and 2) second and third generation products. The two categories vary mainly in the side effects they cause and the duration of their action.

Unlike first generation antihistamines (diphenydramine, chlorpheniramine), second generation (cetirizine, loratadine) and third generation (desloratadine) molecules cause little or no drowsiness and are therefore better at treating symptoms related to allergic rhinitis. Although inter-individual variations may occur, they have all been proven to be equally effective. They can be used occasionally or continuously, depending on the type of allergy.

Antihistamines are not as efficient in treating nasal congestion as other allergy symptoms (watery eyes, itchy nose, scratchy throat, red eyes, runny nose, etc.). The anti-inflammatory properties of desloratadine tend to make this medication better than others for relieving nasal congestion. In fact, there are many products that combine an antihistamine and a decongestant currently available on the market that can be safely used in mild to moderate cases of nasal congestion. However in cases of severe nasal congestion, your health care practitioner may also prescribe an intranasal corticosteroid.

The choice of treatment may vary if a person suffers only from eye symptoms. In that case, ophthalmic allergy drops may be used. However, most of these types of drops have to be applied several times a day. A prescription ophthalmic, olopatadine-based product taken once daily has recently appeared on the market and can be a good option for certain allergy sufferers. Excellent results can also be obtained by using oral antihistamines in the treatment of eye symptoms and they treat the other symptoms at the same time.

Other criteria must be taken into consideration when choosing a treatment. When recommended by a physician, children can safely use second generation antihistamines in the short and medium terms. In practice, it has been observed that parents and children appreciate the low level of undesirable side effects and the once-daily 24-hour dose of this class of medication.

Your present medication, your general medical condition and other factors must of course be taken into consideration when choosing the appropriate treatment for your allergies. When in doubt, consult your pharmacist!

The views expressed here are solely those of the author and are based on his/her knowledge and experience. They do not necessarily represent the views of the manufacturer.

If you think you are experiencing allergy symptoms, please consult your healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis.

]]> August 2011 http://www.aerius.ca/community/story/get-a-head-start-in-your-fight-against-allergy-symptoms
Pollen allergies:
- Avoid mowing or handling grass.
- Avoid drafts and keep your windows closed.
- Do not keep fresh or dried flowers inside your home.
- Avoid wearing contact lenses.
- Do not dry your clothes and bedding in the open air.
- Avoid walking and hiking in the forest.
- Avoid eye and nasal contact with chlorine in pool water.
- Avoid alcohol consumption as well as certain foods such as berries, peaches, bananas, cucumber, grapes and watermelon.

Dust Mite Allergies:
- Keep humidity levels in your home below 45%, since humidity levels above 50% encourage the proliferation of dust mites.
- Avoid rugs and carpets in your home.
- Choose leather furniture rather than fabric seating and avoid upholstery.
- Cover mattresses, pillows and box springs with dust mite-proof covers.
- Regularly vacuum mattresses, beds and box springs.
- Clean floors once a week and bedding at least once every two weeks using hot water.
- Avoid using down-filled bedspreads and quilts.

Animal Allergies:
- All warm-blooded animals can trigger reactions in allergic persons. Contrary to popular belief, there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic cat or dog race. In fact, the allergy-causing protein is found not only in the animal’s fur, but also on its skin, in its saliva and in its urine.
- Avoid all contact with animals and keep them out of your bedroom.
- Wash cats once a week and dogs twice a week.
- Remember that allergens left behind by an animal will remain up to several months after the animal has been removed from a home.

The views expressed here are solely those of the author and are based on his/her knowledge and experience. They do not necessarily represent the views of the manufacturer.

If you think you are experiencing allergy symptoms, please consult your healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis.

]]> August 2011 http://www.aerius.ca/community/story/be-wellprepared-for-your-next-pharmacy-visit
- Is this your first allergic reaction?
- If not, have you already used anti-allergy medication in the past? Was it effective?
- When did you first experience symptoms?
- What are the exact symptoms?
- Do you suffer from eye symptoms?
- Do you suffer from nasal congestion?
- Have you noticed any skin rashes anywhere on your body?
- At what time of day do the symptoms appear?
- Have you noticed any aggravating circumstances?
- Do you have any pets?
- Did you do anything unusual?
- Have you been in contact with a type of plant to which you are not normally exposed?

Please also provide any pertinent information concerning your general medical condition (e.g. whether you are pregnant, breast feeding or have any particular health problem). Have your medical or drug record to hand so that your pharmacist does not recommend using a product that may interact with any regular medication you are taking.

The views expressed here are solely those of the author and are based on his/her knowledge and experience. They do not necessarily represent the views of the manufacturer.

If you think you are experiencing allergy symptoms, please consult your healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis.

]]> July 2011 http://www.aerius.ca/community/story/how-to-shop-for-foods-that-wont-trigger-an-allergic-reaction
The offending item could be included in the food under a number of different names. For example, peanuts could be part of the food under such names as:

arachid oil, beer nuts, cacahuète, googer nuts, kernels, valencias, etc.

Peanut allergens can be part of: almond and hazelnut paste, icing, glazes, nougat, nut substitutes, cereals, ethnic foods, hydrolyzed plant protein, etc.

AERIUS® products are not indicated for allergic food reactions. To ensure AERIUS® products are right for you always read and follow the label.

The views expressed are solely those of the author based on his/her knowledge and expertise and do not necessarily represent the views of the manufacturer.

If you think you are experiencing allergy symptoms, please consult your healthcare professional for a definitive diagnosis.

]]> July 2011 http://www.aerius.ca/community/story/how-your-doctor-can-diagnose-a-food-intolerance The diagnosis of food allergy is based on specific symptoms presented by the individual:

a) In mild cases:
    • pruritis (itchiness) usually starts peri-orally, on the lips, on the face, in the mouth or throat;
    • this is followed at times by an urticarial rash, again beginning around the mouth and on the face, which tends to generalize, lasting from a few minutes to hours;
   • sometimes there is nausea and vomiting.

(Treatment: An antihistamine will suffice, though symptoms may subside spontaneaously, following vomiting.)

b) If the reaction worsens:
    • there is difficulty swallowing;
    • there is some breathing difficulty.

(Treatment: At this point it could be the onset of an anaphylactic reaction requiring immediate treatment with an injection of epinephrine.)

Diagnosis of food allergy is confirmed by allergy tests to the suspected foods, with or without specific blood tests called RAST tests.

A food intolerance, on the other hand, presents itself quite differently:
    • There is usually no itchiness anywhere or rash of any kind, though patients may complain of burning or irritation in the mouth.
    • There are usually gastro-intestinal symptoms, such as:
       - nausea,
       - abdominal cramps,
       - vomiting,
       - diarrhea
    • The duration of the reaction may be minutes or it may last hours.

A good example is lactose intolerance (due to an enzyme deficiency, lactase, needed to digest the sugar lactose in milk and dairy products). Another one is gluten intolerance, or celiac disease, a more complex immune disorder.

Symptoms can occur on a regular basis if the food or foods involved are not avoided. Other symptoms reported include general malaise, flushing, headaches or heartburn.

Diagnosis is based on an elimination diet. Allergy tests are usually negative. There are blood tests being promoted to diagnose food intolerances, but they are controversial and of questionable value.

AERIUS® products are not indicated for allergic food reactions. To ensure AERIUS® products are right for you always read and follow the label.

The views expressed are solely those of the author based on his/her knowledge and expertise and do not necessarily represent the views of the manufacturer.

If you think you are experiencing allergy symptoms, please consult your healthcare professional for a definitive diagnosis.


]]> July 2011 http://www.aerius.ca/community/story/can-an-adult-develop-allergies-later-in-life
Genetics predispose an estimated one third of the population to allergies. However, not all of these at-risk individuals see allergies develop. Exactly what influences some people to develop allergies is unknown. In some instances, allergies can arise in adults after significant hormonal changes, such as pregnancy, menopause or prolonged hormonal supplementation. Yet this does not happen to all women who experience such changes. Other factors, such as air pollutants which affect the allergenicity of certain substances, have been suggested as causes of adult allergies. Even climate change has been blamed, due to its effect on the growing seasons of plants, which boosts pollen levels and lengthens allergy seasons. It is possible that adults who have a genetic predisposition to allergies might be set off by such conditions.

Another hypothesis is that stress may alter the immune system in ways that cause allergic responses. Stress can, for example, modify the bacterial populations in one’s gastrointestinal tract, which changes how one’s body responds to foods.

Related to adult-onset allergies is adult-onset asthma, whose development can be part of the same process. Respiratory allergies place adults at a greater risk of developing asthma.

Not much is known about the rise of allergies later in life, but we do know they can appear. All throughout life, one’s immune system undergoes changes. The complex mechanisms that cause allergies in adults are not yet well understood, and may be mediated or triggered by a variety of different factors.

The views expressed are solely those of the author based on his/her knowledge and expertise and do not necessarily represent the views of the manufacturer.

If you think you are experiencing allergy symptoms, please consult your healthcare professional for a definitive diagnosis.

]]> July 2011 http://www.aerius.ca/community/story/allergy-to-bee-or-wasp-stings-how-to-protect-yourself
These measures include having an exterminator destroy all wasps’ nests near the home or leisure areas. It is better to avoid wearing perfume or bright colours, since these can attract wasps or bees. Wearing tops that are fitted at the neck and wrists can prevent insects from becoming trapped inside your clothing. Wasps or bees sting to defend themselves but very rarely attack. They are provoked by noise or sudden gestures, so stay calm if you see a bee or wasp close by.

The views expressed are solely those of the author based on his/her knowledge and expertise and do not necessarily represent the views of the manufacturer.

If you think you are experiencing allergy symptoms, please consult your healthcare professional for a definitive diagnosis.

]]> June 2011 http://www.aerius.ca/community/story/seasonal-vs-perennial-allergies
In the spring, tree pollen is responsible for symptoms. Birch pollen is especially allergenic. Rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis are quite prevalent in May in Québec. Toward the end of summer, weed pollens cause allergies. Ragweed produces the pollen that is most often at fault. Pollens in late summer are often present in the environment until the first frost of autumn. Pollen indexes broadcast in various media often help us identify the most likely cause of symptoms, depending on the period.

When talking about perennial allergies (lasting throughout the year), the allergens involved are usually those in our immediate environment. Animals in the home or workplace and dust mites are the allergens that are most likely to produce chronic allergy symptoms. Patients who suffer from seasonal allergies generally describe symptoms of sneezing, runny nose, and itchy nose or eyes and even the palate. They sometimes occur very sporadically in a given outdoor environment. Congestion occurs when seasonal allergies last for a long period of time. Symptoms of perennial allergies are more often chronic. Patients most often complain of congestion. Nasal discharge occurs mainly upon waking in the morning while other classic symptoms of allergies are not experienced.
Many people think they’re not allergic to their pet because they don’t show acute symptoms, but they’re congested and often receive treatment for sinusitis or bronchitis in the winter without realizing they might be allergic to dust mites or their pet.

If you suffer from perennial allergies, it doesn’t mean you can’t suffer from seasonal allergies. These patients often present with acute symptoms that crop up during a given period of the pollen season. Conversely, there are patients who have seasonal allergies that they don’t treat properly and whose symptoms may become chronic, with congestion that can last through fall and winter, even if they don’t have perennial allergies.

The views expressed are solely those of the author based on his/her knowledge and expertise and do not necessarily represent the views of the manufacturer.

If you think you are experiencing allergy symptoms, please consult your healthcare professional for a definitive diagnosis.

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