There is a lot of information available about managing allergies. Pharmacy assistants have the knowledge to recognise allergy symptoms and suggest various practical pharmacological and lifestyle solutions. We are skilled and equipped to assist and advise patients on improved ways to prevent, treat, and manage their seasonal allergy symptoms.
Symptom management
The dreaded symptoms associated with seasonal allergies, commonly known as hay fever, can last anywhere from a few days or weeks to an entire season. They leave sufferers uncomfortable and can inconveniently disrupt daily activities. Symptoms include sneezing, a runny nose, red, itchy, watery eyes, and skin rashes. Community pharmacies are a one-stop shop for allergy sufferers to get the symptomatic relief they desperately need. We are here to help our allergy-suffering patients prevent, treat, and manage their symptoms.
Pharmacy assistants can recommend over-the-counter treatments, including allergy eye drops and nasal sprays, oral antihistamines, decongestants, and topical skin relievers to help alleviate symptoms. Advising patients on the various over-the-counter treatment options is very important to relieve their symptoms; however, offering lifestyle advice is equally important.
Lifestyle changes
Helping our patients discover the potential lifestyle changes they could make can help to lower their exposure to allergens. There is never a better course of action than prevention. Allergies cannot always be avoided, but by recognising exposure triggers, symptoms can be reduced. Reducing your exposure to pollen can be achieved in ways such as:
• Monitoring the pollen count. Staying informed about the daily pollen forecast via online services such as AirRater and AusPollen can minimise your exposure risk.
• Limiting outdoor activities during peak pollen times, typically early morning and late afternoon.
• Keeping windows and doors closed, especially on dry, windy days. Instead, air conditioning is recommended for airflow throughout the home. Investing in an air purifier with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter is a great way to improve indoor air quality.
• Practicing good personal hygiene. For example, after being outside during peak pollen times, shower as soon as possible to remove any pollen that the skin and hair may have collected. This aims to reduce the transfer of pollen to indoor furniture.
• Avoid drying laundry outside; otherwise, your laundry becomes a pollen magnet. Instead, air-dry laundry inside or use a clothes dryer.
• Wearing sunglasses outdoors can help create a barrier for your eyes, preventing allergens from entering your eyes.
• Keeping the home clean by vacuuming regularly to trap the pollen that’s accumulated around the home. This is particularly effective if using a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter. Dusting surfaces with a damp cleaning cloth can help to minimise airborne pollen within the home.
Nasal congestion
Nasal congestion is a common symptom for allergy sufferers. An easy and affordable option to recommend is to rinse nasal passages with a saline solution such as FESS, FLO, or Neil Med nasal irrigations. This can help to flush out allergens and mucus from the nose, helping to relieve nasal congestion.
The role of PAs
Pharmacy assistants can counsel patients on the most efficient over-the-counter medications for symptom reduction and relief. A pharmacy assistant’s role in seasonal allergy management does not stop here. By assisting patients in identifying their allergy triggers and providing them with lifestyle education, reducing their exposure and, consequently, their symptoms are possible.
Further educating our patients improves consumer knowledge and enables them to manage their allergies more effectively. By creating rapport and developing an open line of communication with the patient, we can allow the discussion about their symptoms and help them to identify the potential causes. Providing patients with more customised care will hopefully enable them to look forward to the beginning of the blooming season.
By Jemma Denholm Dispensary Technician, Good Price Pharmacy Warehouse, Devonport and Tasmanian, PATY Winner 2023.
This is an except of the article that was first published in RPA October follow the link to view the full article.
