The sun is shining and temperatures are boiling - this means hay fever sufferers are inside with a box of tissues trying to survive the high pollen count.
Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen, usually when it comes into contact with your mouth, nose, eyes and throat. Warm, humid and windy weather can offer trigger hay fever. Those who suffer from hay fever should brace themselves during the heatwave this weekend as a high pollen count is on the cards.
According to Met Eireann, the pollen forecast is set to be high this Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Leinster. They said: “Nettle and pellitory-of-the-wall are now on the rise with an increasing risk, particularly in the south-east of the country. Fungal spores are in peak season: moderate in uplands and high in lowland, arable areas.”
Read more: Met Eireann extends weather warning to whole of Ireland as mercury could hit 30C
Symptoms of hay fever include sneezing and coughing, a runny or blocked nose, itchy, red or watery eyes, itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears, loss of smell, pain around your temples and forehead, headache, earache and feeling tired, according to the HSE. If you have asthma, you might also have a tight feeling in your chest, be short of breath and wheeze and cough.
Hay fever may last for weeks or months, rather than a cold, which usually goes away after a week or two.
The Asthma Society of Ireland have issued these top tips to survive hay fever season:
Keep windows closed at night time.
Keep track of the pollen count.
Minimise time spent outdoors when the pollen count is high.
Apply Vaseline around the nostrils when outdoors.
Wear wraparound sunglasses to minimise levels of pollen irritating your eyes.
Splash your eyes with cold water to help flush out pollen and soothe and cool your eyes.
Shower, wash your hair and change your clothes if you have been outdoors.
Exercise in the morning when pollen rates are lower.
Avoid drying clothes outdoors and shake clothes outside before bringing them inside – particularly bedclothes.
Minimise contact with pets that have been outdoors.
Speak to an experienced respiratory nurse from the Asthma Adviceline service on 1800 44 54 64 if needed.
Whatsapp message the Asthma and COPD patient support service on 086 059 0132 for any questions/queries on hay fever symptoms.
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