Itchy eyes, a nose that won't stop running, sneezing fits every time you step outside — allergic rhinitis turns beautiful Ottawa springs and falls into an endurance event. Tree pollen in spring, grasses in summer, ragweed from August until frost: the calendar of misery is predictable, which means relief can be too.
Why the drugstore aisle overwhelms people
Antihistamine tablets, nasal sprays, eye drops, decongestants, combinations of all four — the allergy aisle is genuinely confusing, and the "strongest" option isn't always the right one. Steroid nasal sprays, for example, work best when started before your worst weeks and used daily, not just on bad days. Some decongestants shouldn't be used for more than a few days at all.
A pharmacist can assess and prescribe
In Ontario, pharmacists can assess allergic rhinitis and prescribe treatment when appropriate — including options beyond what sits on the shelf. The assessment is free with a valid Ontario health card. We look at your symptom pattern, what you've already tried, other medications you take, and build a season-long plan rather than a guess. If your symptoms suggest something other than allergies — or need a physician's input — we'll tell you directly.
Timing is everything
If you know May wrecks you every year, come in during April. Getting ahead of the season, rather than chasing it, is the single most effective change most allergy sufferers can make.
Tired of sneezing through the season? Get a free allergy assessment before it peaks. Orleans Community Pharmacy · 613-824-3111 · https://orleansrx.ca/pages/minor-ailments.
Read next: "What is Ontario's minor ailment program, in plain English?"
This article is general information, not medical advice. A pharmacist assessment is required to determine whether treatment is appropriate for you; some situations need a referral to a physician or nurse practitioner, and Ontario pharmacists prescribe only within their permitted scope. Orleans Community Pharmacy · 2746 St-Joseph Blvd, Unit 100, Orléans, ON · 613-824-3111.
