A new app, which will allow hay fever sufferers to determine the nature and severity of their condition before advising them on best treatment, has been launched.

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 and it is estimated that 85% of those affected during this time self-medicate.

The new app, Hay Fever Relief, allows those affected to input their symptoms, which are graded according to their severity. The app will then recommend the best treatment available. This information can be shared with a pharmacist for quick and efficient relief.

Commenting on the app, Dr Paul Carson, who has worked in this field for over 30 years, noted that many people with hay fever develop a coping mechanism to deal with the condition and become used to living ‘a compromised quality of life'.

"With the number of hay fever sufferers in Ireland growing (now estimated at 24% of the population), younger generations are suffering more severe attacks. This app allows users take control of their condition giving them an accurate read on the severity and nature of their hay fever. They can then discuss the app's recommendations with their pharmacist and start to plan for immediate pollen allergy relief," he explained.

The app will also provide information on pollen counts both in Ireland and abroad, which will be useful for people travelling.

Dr Carson insisted that the treatment of allergies, particularly hay fever, is under-resourced in Ireland.

"Indeed internationally, the number of trained allergists dealing with the worldwide allergy epidemic is disappointingly low. This app will help educate, inform and empower hay fever sufferers giving them the best possible guidance without going to a doctor," he insisted.

The Hay Fever Relief app is free to download on AppStore, or for more information, click here