Hay fever sufferers are being warned that pollen production is expected to be extremely high this summer.

Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen. While most people are affected by grass pollen, pollen from trees and flowers can also be a problem for some sufferers. Symptoms can include a runny nose, watery eyes, sinus pain, sneezing, coughing and headaches.

Hay fever season runs from April to September.

According to international hay fever expert, Dr Jean Emberlin, Ireland's recent warm and wet winter has led to the perfect conditions for high levels of hay fever, with early birch pollen counts here already above average.

Birch is the main allergenic tree pollen in Ireland. Birch pollen season typically runs from mid-April to the end of May.

"The season is likely to be more severe this year than last. Very high birch pollen counts will occur on warm, dry days with wind. Birch pollen is the second most irritating for hay fever sufferers after grass, affecting 25%. Birch tends to alternate between high and low years and this year is a high pollen production year," Dr Emberlin explained.

She noted that hay fever that is triggered by grass is also due to be very severe this year and this usually lasts until the end of August. This type of hay fever affects 95% of sufferers.

Dr Emberlin offers the following advice to hay fever sufferers:
-Take antihistamines but follow the instructions carefully as some can make you drowsy
-If you can, use steroid nasal sprays before the season starts. Pregnant women should take cellulose nasal sprays
-If your eyes are irritated, use hay fever eye drops to soothe itching
-Wash your hair regularly during hay fever season
-Drive with your windows up
-Damp dust at home and work regularly to minimise contact with hay fever spores.

Dr Emberlin is the scientific director of UK allergy support charity, Allergy UK.