Pharmacists offer advice on treatment and prevention.
8 May 2024: Ireland’s pollen count has been rising in recent weeks thanks to warmer and dryer weather. This is signalling the start of the traditional Hay Fever Season for those who suffer from the condition. In response, the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) has offered advice to 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 allergic pollen, especially when it comes into contact with your mouth, nose, eyes and throat.
Tree, grass and weed pollen can all cause hay fever. While the pollen from grass typically peaks in July, the hay fever season in Ireland typically starts in April and can last until September meaning that sufferers are now beginning to feel increasing symptoms.
While there is no cure for hay fever, there are preventative steps that people can take. 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:
1.Keep windows and doors closed as much as possible, especially at night.
2.Apply Vaseline around your nostrils to trap pollen and stop it being inhaled.
3.Wear wraparound sunglasses to prevent pollen entering the eyes.
4.Do not mow grass and avoid working in the garden.
5.Wash your hair, hands, and face when you come back indoors and change clothes to remove any pollen.
6.Monitor the pollen tracker and stay indoors when the pollen count is high, which is usually in the morning and evening.
7.Use a pollen filter in your car and a HEPA filter in your vacuum cleaner.
The IPU also recommends that people who suffer from hay fever should speak to their pharmacist about their symptoms and what treatment is available to help them. Antihistamine drops, tablets or nasal sprays are available directly from the pharmacist.
Almost 80% of asthma patients suffer from hay fever and hay fever can trigger an asthma attack. Asthma patients should ensure they have an up-to-date prescription for their inhaler(s), 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 hay fever 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 hay fever 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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