Hay Fever season is upon us

This is signalling the start of the traditional Hay Fever Season for those who suffer from the condition. 

The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) has advice for people with hay fever on the proactive steps they can take to help manage the condition.

Hay Fever affects as much as one in four Irish people. 

Symptoms can range from itchy eyes and throat to a runny nose, sneezing, coughing and headaches. 

Hay Fever is an allergy to pollen, especially when it comes into contact with your mouth, nose, eyes and throat.

Tree, grass and weed pollen can all cause hay fever. Pollen from grass typically peaks in July, but the hay fever season in Ireland typically starts in April, lasting until September meaning that sufferers are now beginning to feel those symptoms ramping up.

Prevention

There is no cure for it, but there are preventative steps you can take to reduce your symptoms. 

Sinead McCool, the acting Head of Professional Services for the IPU offers 7 top tips for sufferers of hay fever to help them and their symptoms:

• Keep windows and doors closed as much as possible, especially at night.
• Apply Vaseline around your nostrils to trap pollen and stop it being inhaled.
• Wear wraparound sunglasses to prevent pollen entering the eyes.
• Do not mow grass and avoid working in the garden.
• Wash your hair, hands, and face when you come back indoors and change clothes to remove any pollen.
• Monitor the pollen tracker and stay indoors when the pollen count is high, which is usually in the morning and evening.
• Use a pollen filter in your car and a HEPA filter in your vacuum cleaner.

The IPU also recommends that people who suffering should speak to their pharmacist about their symptoms and what treatment is available to help them. 

Antihistamine drops, tablets or nasal sprays are all available directly from the pharmacist.

Asthma and Hay Fever

Nearly 80% of all asthma patients suffer with hay fever and it can even trigger an asthma attack. 

Asthma patients should ensure they have an up-to-date prescription for their inhalers, that they are using them as prescribed and where relevant that they always carry their inhaler with them. 

They should make sure that their hay fever symptoms are well managed. The IPU emphasises the importance of talking to your pharmacist if you have any concerns.

Speaking on the supports that are available from the community pharmacy for sufferers, Ms McCool said: 

“The start of 2024 has been particularly dark, wet, and dreary, so the return of warm dry weather is a welcome sight. 

“However, for those of us who suffer from this allergy the finer weather comes with that challenge. 

“Unfortunately, there is no one way to fix the condition, but you should talk to your pharmacist about the best way you can manage your symptoms.

“Pharmacies across Ireland will always be on hand to provide support and guidance to those suffering from hay fever. 

“We urge people to take the preventative steps in helping deal with their condition."

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