With hay fever seasons already in full swing, people with asthma are being reminded that hay fever is a major trigger for their condition.

Some 80% of people with asthma also suffer with hay fever and pharmacists are warning those affected to be aware of allergens and to always have their inhaler close at hand.

Symptoms of hay fever include a runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing and coughing. These symptoms mainly occur in spring and summer and are usually triggered by pollen from grass, weeds and trees.

Around 400 people attend Emergency Departments (ED) in Ireland every week as a result of their asthma, however research suggests that treating hay fever can reduce these asthma-related ED visits.

"There is a close link with asthma and hay fever and we are warning the public of this connection given we are already in hay fever season. While there is no cure for hay fever, symptoms can be effectively managed or prevented by avoiding allergic triggers and using preventative treatments," commented Bernard Duggan of the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU).

Such treatments include antihistamines, corticosteroids and decongestants. For more severe cases, a person may be prescribed stronger medications, such as steroids.

Mr Duggan also warned people to keep an eye on the pollen count every day and ‘take necessary precautions if the pollen count is high'.

"Anybody with concerns or who would like some advice can talk to their pharmacist or GP," he added.

For more information on asthma, see our Asthma Clinic here