Pollen levels have been so high this year that even those without known allergies are starting to suffer with symptoms of hay fever.
Also known as allergic rhinitis, hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen - a fine powder that comes from plants, trees, grass and weeds.
Symptoms can last for weeks or months, or sometimes all year round, but are most common when the pollen count is at its highest during warm, humid and windy conditions.
According to the HSE, hay fever can present in a number of ways, including sneezing and coughing, a runny or blocked nose, headaches, earaches, feeling tired, or itchy eyes.
Dr David O'Connor, Assistant Professor at Dublin City University in the School of Chemical Sciences, joined Claire Byrne on RTÉ Radio 1 to discuss Europe's extreme pollen levels.
"Basically anybody can have those symptoms," Dr O'Connor says of hay fever. "If pollen levels get high enough, people who have never suffered from them will start exhibiting symptoms."
Typically lasting from January to September, it seems that pollen season is extending, starting in early December and lasting to October. Worse still, both the concentration of the pollen and the amount of allergen in the pollen are increasing.
If you have asthma, this is especially worrying as asthmatics typically suffer from hay fever, and Ireland has some of the highest rates of asthma in the world
"That cohort of people, if they breathe in high concentrations of pollen," he explains, "it can actually give them an asthma attack. That's when it goes from a well-being problem to a life-or-death problem."
Thankfully, there is some good news to be had.
"It's not all doom and gloom," he promises, explaining that real-time monitoring is on the rise, meaning that the public has access to accurate pollen counts and daily forecasting.
Dr O'Connor recommends hay fever sufferers to take the following steps for high-pollen days:
- Taking an antihistamine the night before.
- Wear a mask to block the pollen particles.
- Plan your activities accordingly, e.g. opt for an indoor gym class rather than an outdoor run.
Next, Yvonne Williams, a GP based in County Clare, spoke to Claire about how she treats her patients when dealing with hay fever.
Agreeing with Dr O'Connor's suggestion, Dr Williams says that mild sufferers can take an antihistamine the night before a high-pollen day to battle their symptoms, but seasoned sufferers should take a more long-term approach.
From the end of February, many of those who are known to suffer from hay fever are instructed to take antihistamines "fairly regularly" right through until the end of September.
Some antihistamines may make you feel sleepy, so be sure to stay safe and avoid driving. Dr Williams suggests taking them at night so as to ensure you are alert in the morning.
Dr Williams lists some of the ways that she treats patients with hay fever:
- Antihistamines.
- Saline rinse for the nose.
- Anti-itch eye drops.
- Nose sprays - steroid or other.
- Immune-altering medication.
- Long-term medication to desensitise your body to pollen
Other handy tips include:
- Wash the pollen out of your hair at night.
- Keep windows and doors closed.
- Avoid drying clothes outdoors.
- Apply Vaseline or HayMax around the nose.
- Wear wrap-around sunglasses.
If you are suffering from hay fever, speak with your GP to find out what treatment is suitable for you.
