*Hay fever is an allergic condition.
*The allergic reaction is to grass and tree pollens and sometimes to moulds.
*Hay fever usually occurs at the same time each year.
*The hay fever season in Ireland runs from early May to the end of July and sometimes into August.
*The main pollen in Ireland is grass pollen.
*Pollens are very small and about 10,000 would fit on the head of a needle.
*High pollen counts happen on warm, dry and sunny days.
*Pollen counts may be high in the morning but are highest in the late afternoon and early evening.
Symptoms of Hay fever.
*Snuffling.
*Sneezing.
*Sinus nasal congestion.
Sometimes headache.
*Blocked or runny nose.
*Itchy eyes.
*Watery eyes.
*Puffy eyes and maybe puffiness underneath the eyes.
*Cough.
*Tiredness.
*No taste in mouth.

Hay Fever Hints.
*Avoid going out when the pollen count is high.
*Keep windows closed in the mornings and late afternoons.
*Avoid late afternoon walks.
*Keep car windows closed.
*Cold wet days are better for people with hay fever.
*Avoid grassy areas.
*Use wrap around sunglasses to help prevent pollens irritating the eyes.
*Do not smoke or breathe second hand smoke.
*Get someone else to mow the grass.
*Apply a little Vaseleine inside the nose in the mornings and afternoons.
* Do not sleep with the windows open.
*If you have been out in the mornings or late afternoons, then wash your hands and face when you come indoors. (Maybe even change your clothes)
Hay Fever Treatment.
*Use the hints above.
*For severe cases of hay fever, contact your GP.
*For milder cases go to your local community pharmacy.
*Try to get treatment as early as possible.
*We usually suggest;
A…Nasal decongestants. (short term use)
B…Anti-histamines.
C… Cortico-steroid sprays.
*In severe cases your GP may prescribe medicines such as steroids.
*For persistent, severe and annual hay fever; your GP might recommend Immunotherapy.
*Before you take any hay fever treatment please tell us if you are on any other medication in case any of your other medication may react with your hay fever medication