Managing Seasonal Allergies

Managing Spring Allergies

Breathe Easy This Season with Support from Bureta Pharmacy Shop

As winter fades and spring blooms, many people look forward to longer days, warmer weather, and time outdoors. But for those affected by seasonal allergies, spring can also bring discomfort. At Bureta Pharmacy Shop, we’re here to help you manage hayfever and enjoy the season with confidence.

What Causes Spring Allergies?

Seasonal allergies, commonly known as hayfever, occur when your immune system reacts to airborne allergens. In spring, the most common triggers include:

Tree Pollen: Often present in early spring, especially from species like birch and wattle.
Grass Pollen: Peaks in mid to late spring, with ryegrass being a major contributor.
Weed Pollen: Becomes more prevalent in late spring and early summer.

These allergens can cause sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, and headaches. Unlike colds or flu, hayfever symptoms typically do not include fever.

How to Minimise Allergy Symptoms

Know Your Triggers

Keep a diary of your symptoms and note when and where they occur. This can help identify which allergens affect you most.

Limit Exposure

Indoors: Keep windows closed, use air purifiers with HEPA filters, and vacuum regularly.
Outdoors: Avoid outdoor activities during high pollen times, especially early mornings. Wear sunglasses and a hat to reduce pollen contact.

Clean Living Spaces

Wash bedding weekly in hot water.
Use allergen-proof covers on pillows and mattresses.
Clean surfaces and floors to reduce dust and pet hair.
Use a dehumidifier to prevent mould growth.

Personal Care

Shower and change clothes after spending time outside.
Avoid smoke, strong perfumes, and cleaning chemicals that can irritate your airways.

Treatment Options

Over-the-Counter Relief

Antihistamines: Help reduce sneezing, itching, and runny nose.
Nasal Sprays: Ease inflammation and congestion.
Decongestants: Provide short-term relief from blocked noses.
Eye Drops: Soothe itchy, watery eyes.

Speak with your pharmacist at Bureta Pharmacy Shop for advice on the best treatment options for your symptoms. We can help you choose products that suit your needs and lifestyle.

Enjoy Spring with Confidence

Spring is a time of renewal and activity. With the right support and strategies, you can manage hayfever effectively and make the most of the season. Visit Bureta Pharmacy Shop for personalised advice and allergy solutions tailored to you.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information only. It is not intended as medical or health advice and should not be relied on as a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional who understands your individual medical needs.

Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia)

Causes of swallowing difficulties

Swallowing difficulties can happen at any age. There are a wide range of causes for them, including:

some medicines, such as antipsychotics
heartburn and acid reflux
cancer, such as mouth or throat cancers
nervous system or brain disorders
muscle disorders
blockages or structural issues with your mouth, throat or oesophagus.

Symptoms of swallowing difficulties

Symptoms of swallowing difficulties may include:

coughing or choking when eating or drinking
bringing food back up, may be through your nose
the feeling that food is stuck in your throat
having issues chewing your food
problems with dribbling.

Swallowing difficulties can cause weight loss, dehydration and chest infections.

Diagnosing swallowing difficulties

Let your healthcare provider know if you have swallowing difficulties. They will ask you about your symptoms and check if any other health conditions you have may be the cause.

Your healthcare provider may refer you to a specialist for tests. These may include a:

gastroscopy—a camera is passed down through your mouth to look at your throat and stomach
swallowing study—your throat and stomach are x-rayed as you swallow small amounts of food.

Treating swallowing difficulties

How your swallowing difficulties are treated depends on the cause and how severe it is. Treatments may include:

medicines to treat acid reflux
swallowing therapy with a speech and language therapist
making changes to what you eat and drink, such as softer foods and using thickener in drinks
using special spoons, plates and cups
surgery to widen your oesophagus.
using special medication lubricants eg Gloup to help make it easier to swallow tablets etc. For more information click here.

Self care for swallowing difficulties

As well as seeing your healthcare provider, the following tips may help you to get food or liquids into your stomach.

Sit upright in a chair—at a table is best.
Have regular small meals instead of the main large meals.
Eat or drink small mouthfuls at a time.
If your voice is gurgly when you eat or drink, give a small cough to make sure your airway is clear.
Wet food will be easier to swallow as dry food can catch in your throat.
If your food has 2 consistencies, such as fruit in juice and cereal in milk, try to mix it into 1 consistency, or eat the solid and liquid portions separately.
Concentrate on eating and avoid talking.
Hot, ice-cold or fizzy liquids are easier to swallow than room temperature liquids.
If you are told to have thickened liquids, avoid ice-cream and jelly as they thin before swallowing.
Drink from the top half of you cup to avoid tipping your head back.

Have a look at our range of Gloup medication lubricants here which can help with difficulties swallowing tablets...

Bureta Pharmacy Shop

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