Expert tips to deal with hay fever as pollen counts rise

With changes in seasonal temperatures driving up pollen counts, hay fever sufferers face greater risks of developing symptoms. Here’s our expert guide to medical and practical steps to keep the condition under control

The majority of those with hay fever are allergic to grass pollen. Picture: iStock

WHILE many of us celebrate the arrival of summer, hay fever sufferers around the country close their windows and prepare for the soaring pollen count and the symptoms that follow.

Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, affects one in four Irish people, and about 400m people around the world. It is caused by an allergy to pollen, specifically grass or tree pollen.