Why hayfever remedies are not to be sneezed at

May, June and July are peak pollen months and Fiann Ó Nualláin has some timely advice

You can’t avoid the outdoors all summer, but you can limit pollen’s access to you and you can also limit the reaction response by using antihistamines. Picture: iStock

HAY FEVER, aka seasonal allergic rhinitis, is the most commonly reported allergy in Ireland. It is estimated that 20% of the Irish population suffer from pollen sensitivity regularly and many more get the odd reaction if the pollen levels are particularly high or if they are having other histamine issues through diet or health status. With May, June and July being peak pollen period, this weekend makes for a timely intervention on limiting those allergic reactions.

Is it just a sneezy minute or is it a hay-fever attack? Some people may have a spontaneous reaction to a high level of pollen on a particular day because the pollen has gotten into their eye or nasal passage and their natural defences kick in with sneezing and tearing up in order to rid the body of the pollen grains and they may not have another incidence all summer — but then those in the 20% of the population with sensitivity will have this reaction on a regular if not daily basis during summer months, affecting daily activities, work performance, sleep patterns and general quality of life. The good news is, there is help.