Tips to survive hayfever

The Asthma Society of Ireland is today warning the 304,000 people who have both asthma and hayfever in Ireland to take precautions to avoid a potentially fatal asthma attack as pollen levels expected to rise this weekend.

“Hayfever symptoms are capable of escalating an asthma attack, which in some cases can be fatal,” warned Sarah O’Connor, CEO of the Asthma Society of Ireland.

“With the pollen count predicted to increase over the next few days, we are advising all people who have asthma and hayfever to make sure they take precautions and to follow our ‘top tips for surviving hayfever season’ to ensure they do not suffer a fatal asthma attack.”

Tips to survive hayfever season

Keep an eye on our daily pollen tracker here

Talk to a doctor or pharmacist now about taking medication to prevent / reduce your symptoms. Don’t wait until you feel unwell.

Keep windows shut in your bedroom at night

Keep windows and doors closed when the pollen count is high

Stay indoors as much as possible on high pollen days

Stay away from grassy areas, especially when grass is freshly cut

Put Vaseline around your nostrils to trap pollen

Wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting into your eyes

Shower, wash your hair and change your clothes if you have been outside for an extended period

Avoid drying clothes outdoors, or shake them outdoors before bringing them in

Minimise your contact with pets that have been outdoors and are likely to be carrying pollen

Consider a purifier with a built-in air quality sensor to remove allergens and pollutants from the air

Common hayfever symptoms

Runny nose and nasal congestion

Watery, itchy, red eyes

Frequent sneezing

Itchy nose, roof of mouth or throat

Headache

Fatigue

Swollen blue coloured skin under the eyes

Postnasal drip

Asthma action plan

“Managing asthma becomes more difficult over the summer months as the nice weather brings a long and sharp increase in the pollen count. Dr Marcus Butler, Medical Director of the Asthma Society, said.

“It is vital that all asthma patients with pollen or grass allergy have an asthma action plan and prepare for the hayfever season to limit its effects.”

For further information call the Asthma Society’s free Joint Asthma and COPD Adviceline on 1800 44 54 64.