Three Top Tips to Taking on Seasonal Challenges

 

From summer sunshine and autumn leaves to cosy winters, and spring blossoms, each season comes with its own set of joys and challenges. It's like nature's way of keeping us on our toes!

 

Image supplied by Panado®

 

Spring is a season of renewal, with flowers blooming and temperatures rising. But along with the beauty, it can also bring some health challenges. As we embrace the warmer weather, allergies, outdoor activities, and other factors might lead to occasional aches, pains, and even fevers.

Here are three top tips to help manage pain and fever throughout the season:

 

1. Understand and Tackle Allergies Head-On

Flowers, fresh grass, and... sneezing? Early spring is synonymous with high pollen counts, which can trigger allergic rhinitis – commonly known as hay fever.^1a Allergic rhinitis develops when the body’s immune system recognises and overreacts to something in the environment that typically causes no problems in most people,^1b such as pollens from trees, grass, and weeds.^1c

 

Symptoms of this seasonal allergy include a runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, congestion, and fatigue often due to disrupted sleep from a blocked nose.^1d

 

Secondary complications can occur, including aggravation of, or increased predisposition to developing asthma, sinusitis, ear infections, which can result in pain and fever.²

 

To manage spring allergies, keep an eye on daily pollen counts using weather apps or websites. On high pollen count days, limit your outdoor activities to times when levels are lowest^3a, and keep your home's windows closed, relying on air conditioning instead. ^3b Consider over-the-counter remedies such as antihistamines and nasal steroids for relief^3c. If allergies persist, speak to your healthcare provider about immunotherapy options^3d.

 

2. Stay Active but Cautious

With the inviting weather, there's a natural inclination to be more active outside. While it's great for physical and mental health, it can potentially also increase the risk of injuries.

 

Before diving into any vigorous activity, always warm up and cool down afterward to prevent muscle strains and sprains.^4. Stay hydrated, particularly during physical activities, to avoid muscle cramps.⁵

 

If minor injuries occur, try the RICE method: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.^6a  Rest the injured area for 48 hours, if possible,^6b apply ice for 20 minutes at a time and as frequently as every hour,^6c use a compression to reduce the swelling,^6d and elevate the injured part of the body above heart level.^6e

 

3. Be Prepared and Proactive

It's essential to have a plan in place for when pain or fever strikes. This involves not only understanding potential causes but also having resources and remedies readily available.

 

Stock your medicine cabinet, for seasonal challenges this spring with trusted Panado®⁷, which offers a dose of care for the whole family, from tiny tots to grandparents.

 

Panado®’s wide range of pain relievers and fever reducing products for adults includes Panado® Capsules⁸, Panado® Tablets⁹ and Panado® Effervescent Tablets¹⁰  (starts working immediately and is ideal for those that struggle with taking capsules or tablets) and Panado®’s paediatric range of products includes Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Strawberry (50 ml | 100 ml),¹¹ Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint Alcohol and Sugar-Free (50 ml | 100 ml),¹² Panado® Paediatric Syrup¹³, Peppermint 5 ml Sachets and Panado® Infant Drops.¹⁴

 

 

References:

1. American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Hay Fever. Available from : https://acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/hay-fever/. Last accessed August 2023.

2. Settipane RA. Complications of allergic rhinitis. Allergy Asthma Proc. 1999 Jul-Aug;20(4):209-13. doi: 10.2500/108854199778339053. PMID: 10476318.  Available from : https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10476318/. Last accessed August 2023.

3. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Tips for Coping With Spring Allergies. Available from : https://community.aafa.org/blog/tips-for-coping-with-spring-allergies. Last accessed August 2023.

4. Tri-City Medical Center. Why Warming Up and Cooling Down is Important. Available from : https://www.tricitymed.org/2016/12/warming-cooling-important/. Last accessed August 2023.  

5. Warner Orthopedics & Wellness. Available from : https://warnerorthopedics.com/can-water-alone-cure-muscle-cramps/. Last accessed August 2023.

6. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Sprains, strains and other soft-tissue injuries. Available from https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/sprains-strains-and-other-soft-tissue-injuries/. Last accessed August 2023.

7. IRI Data for MAT August 2023.

8. Panado® Capsules approved package insert, August 1984.

9. Panado® Tablets approved professional information, July 2016.

10. Panado® Effervescent (Tablet) approved professional information, July 2016.

11. Panado® Paediatric Strawberry Syrup approved package insert, March 2002.

12. Panado® Paediatric Syrup Alcohol and Sugar-Free professional information, May 2022.  

13. Panado® Paediatric Syrup professional information, May 2022.

14. Panado® Infant Drops (Drops) approved professional information, August 1990.