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Head Lice – Help!!!

Every parent’s heart sinks when they receive the dreaded note from school warning about head lice. Don’t worry – Jane Brennan from Brennan’s Life Pharmacy in Donabate is here to to give us advice and tips. The first thing to do is to check the child’s head. You will need some tea tree conditioner, a... Read more >

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Are You SunSmart?

We ask Jane Brennan from Brennan’s Life Pharmacy Donabate how to make the most of great sunny summer days whilst protecting our skin from harmful rays. Jane says “The Irish Cancer Society SunSmart program has great guidelines to keep us safe. See below for some useful tips and advice” Ways to protect your skin: Shade... Read more >

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Pollen Highs & Watery Eyes

Pollen Highs & Watery Eyes… Talk to Jane Brennan, your Hay Fever Expert in Donabate Are your eyes itchy, red or watery? Is your throat scratchy? Are you sneezing? Do you have itchy ears, nose or mouth? Do you have a blocked or runny nose? Do you wake up feeling exhausted? Hay fever can cause... Read more >

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Life Pharmacy Ireland – Live Better

Bringing you the best health advice for your family

NHS Choices - "I felt like I had a permanent cold"

(06/06/2014)

Melissa Murphy, from Bedfordshire, discovered she had perennial allergic rhinitis nine years ago.

“I had never heard of rhinitis and had no idea it was an allergy. I eventually went to see a doctor because I felt like I had a permanent cold. My nose felt really blocked up, tight and stuffy. It was really uncomfortable, and although it wasn’t as bad as a cold, the symptoms never went away. I initially thought it was a mild cold, but the doctor diagnosed allergic rhinitis and said it was likely to be something at home triggering the symptoms, such as animal dander, house dust mites or mould.

“I didn’t have any pets and lived in a new house, so I thought it was unlikely to be mould. I decided to pay for a private allergy blood test, and the results showed that dust mites were causing my rhinitis.

“I was prescribed a nasal spray and started using it every day. Within a few days, it really helped to relieve my symptoms. My nose didn't feel so tight and I could breathe more easily.

“I contacted Allergy UK and found out several things I could do at home to reduce dust mites. I bought a new duvet and pillows, and used allergy covers. I also bought an allergy mattress protector and vacuumed more regularly.

"Since then, I've moved and have opted for wooden flooring everywhere, instead of carpet. It's easy to clean and helps to get rid of dust mites. I don’t have to use my nasal spray all the time now. I just use it when my nose feels tight or stuffy.”

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