Eight in 10 people with hay fever avoid social gatherings and outdoor events because of the condition, a new survey has revealed.

Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, is a seasonal condition. It refers to an allergy to pollen and spores. Pollen is the tiny, dust-like particles given off by certain types of trees, grasses, weeds and flowers. Spores come from fungi and moulds.

In Ireland, grass pollen is the most common cause of hay fever. Symptoms can include a runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, sinus pressure and headaches.

A survey carried out at the Bloom Garden Festival in Dublin's Phoenix Park at the weekend revealed that 80% of people with the condition avoid social gatherings and outdoor events, while 60% experience reduced concentration in work if their hay fever is acting up.

Meanwhile, the most irritating symptom of the condition when attending an outdoor event was found to be watery or itchy eyes.

When asked where they would seek advice from, 80% said they would speak to a pharmacist, while just 5% said they would go online for help.

"Hay fever affects 10% of Irish people but can be managed with some simple steps allowing people to enjoy the outdoors during the summer months. Simple things like wearing wrap-around sunglasses can protect your eyes from allergy causing pollen. I've spoken to many people during the Bloom festival that weren't aware of the simple ways you can reduce or prevent symptoms," commented pharmacist, Orla McCarthy.

The survey was carried out at Bloom on behalf of Cetriz.