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Allergic Rhinitis (Seasonal Allergies)

Ottawa's pollen seasons are no joke — tree pollen in spring, grasses in summer, ragweed from August until frost. If over-the-counter picks aren't cutting it, a licensed pharmacist at our Orleans pharmacy can assess your symptoms and prescribe the right antihistamine, nasal spray, or eye drops — and show you how to use them properly. Free with your Ontario health card.

Allergic rhinitis is your nose and eyes reacting to something you've breathed in — pollen, mould, dust mites, or pet dander. It causes sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, and itchy, watery eyes.

More than a nuisance

Allergic rhinitis affects 10–30% of the population, and up to half of sufferers say it has at least a moderate effect on daily life — poor sleep, foggy workdays, missed school. The most effective single step is reducing exposure to your trigger, but when avoidance isn't enough, the right medication (and the right technique — most people use nasal sprays incorrectly) makes seasons livable.

80% of people with allergic rhinitis develop it before age 20, and children with two allergic parents have a 50% chance of developing it themselves. Nasal corticosteroid sprays are the most effective single therapy for persistent symptoms — but they take days to reach full effect, so consistency matters.

Common signs and symptoms

Sneezing fits and a runny or congested nose
Itchy nose, throat, or roof of the mouth
Itchy, watery, red eyes
Post-nasal drip and throat clearing
Fatigue and poor sleep during allergy season

Treatments our Orleans pharmacist can prescribe

For your information only: in Ontario, our pharmacist can assess this condition and, when appropriate, prescribe from the medications listed below. This information is provided for educational purposes — it is not an offer to sell. These are treatments that require a pharmacist assessment, and the right option is chosen for you.

Antihistamines: Azelastine (nasal), Bilastine (Blexten), Cetirizine (Reactine), Cyproheptadine, Desloratadine (Aerius), Fexofenadine (Allegra), Loratadine (Claritin), Olopatadine, Rupatadine (Rupall)

Nasal corticosteroids: Beclomethasone, Budesonide (Rhinocort), Ciclesonide (Omnaris), Fluticasone (Flonase, Avamys), Mometasone (Nasonex), Triamcinolone (Nasacort)

Self-care that helps

Non-drowsy oral antihistamines (e.g., Reactine, Claritin, Aerius, Allegra)
Nasal corticosteroid sprays (e.g., Flonase, Nasacort, Rhinocort)
Saline rinses and sprays to flush allergens from the nose
Allergy eye drops for itchy, watery eyes
Allergen-barrier bedding covers for dust-mite control

Browse related over-the-counter options in our Allergic Rhinitis (Seasonal Allergies) self-care collection, or ask us in store — our pharmacists will point you to what actually helps.

How the assessment works

1. Walk in or callNo appointment or referral needed. Drop by our pharmacy on St-Joseph Blvd in Orleans during opening hours, or call ahead.

2. Private consultationA licensed pharmacist reviews your symptoms, health history and medications in a short, private assessment.

3. Prescription in handIf appropriate, we prescribe and fill your treatment on the spot — you leave with what you need.

Frequently asked questions

Why see a pharmacist when antihistamines are sold over the counter?

Because matching the medication to your pattern of symptoms matters. Nasal congestion responds better to steroid sprays than pills; eye symptoms may need dedicated drops; some prescription options (like Blexten or Rupall) aren't on the shelf. A pharmacist assessment gets you a personalized plan — and correct spray technique, which most people have never been shown.

When does allergy season start in Ottawa?

Tree pollen typically starts in April, grass pollen runs June–July, and ragweed runs mid-August until the first frost. Starting a nasal corticosteroid a week or two before your season starts gives the best control.

Can children be assessed for allergies at the pharmacy?

Yes — children can be assessed with a parent or guardian present, and many allergy treatments have pediatric dosing options.

Is the pharmacist assessment covered by OHIP?

Yes. The minor ailment assessment is free with a valid Ontario health card. You only pay for the medication itself if one is prescribed, and that is often covered by your drug plan.

Do I need an appointment at your Orleans pharmacy?

No. Walk-ins are welcome during all pharmacy hours — Monday to Friday 9:00 AM–6:00 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM–3:00 PM. You can also call 613-824-3111 ahead of your visit.

When to see a doctor instead: See a health-care provider if symptoms are severe or year-round, don't respond to treatment, come with wheezing or shortness of breath, or if you're unsure whether your symptoms are allergies or something else.

Done with the sneezing?

Skip the walk-in clinic wait. Our Orleans pharmacists assess and prescribe for seasonal allergies — free with your Ontario health card.

Call 613 · 824 · 3111 Hours & directions

Serving Orleans and east Ottawa — Fallingbrook, Avalon, Chapel Hill, Queenswood Heights, Blackburn Hamlet, Navan & Cumberland. 2746 St-Joseph Blvd, Unit 100, Orleans, ON K1C 1G5.