The heatwave forecast will not come as good news for many of Ireland’s hayfever sufferers, who will have to endure very high pollen levels and high pressure weather this week.
The grass pollen risk will rise to ‘very high’ during the warm weather this week and the season will continue for a couple more weeks. Weed pollen and spores are expected to be high this week also.
Summer 2018 is shaping up to be a delightfully hot one for many people, but excitement levels are low amongst the 376,000 people with asthma and who also have hayfever. Pollen will reach its highest possible peaks – triggering debilitating hayfever symptoms and possibly serious escalations of their asthma.
Sarah O’Connor, CEO of the Asthma Society of Ireland, said Ireland is facing unusual pollen counts as a result of our prolonged cold winter and extended sunny and hot start to the summer.
Ms O’Connor said: “We are looking at a perfect storm this week – grass pollen levels generally reach their peak at the end of June and the coming week’s weather is only increasing that level.
“People really need to take care and manage their hayfever symptoms and for those who also have asthma, they really need to manage their health.”
Tips to Survive Hayfever Season from the Asthma Society of Ireland:
- Talk to doctor or pharmacist NOW about taking medication to prevent / reduce symptoms. Don’t wait until you feel unwell.
- Keep an eye daily on the pollen tracker on www.asthma.ie
- Keep windows closed 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 who 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
For asthmatics, hayfever can cause their asthma symptoms to flare up and may cause an asthma attack. People are advised to know the symptoms of an attack and know the 5 Step Rule to save a life – go to asthma.ie for more information on how to prevent and manage asthma attacks.
Help and support on managing your asthma and hayfever is available by calling the free nurse Adviceline on 1800 44 54 64.
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