Up to 80% of people with asthma in Ireland also suffer with hay fever and those affected by both conditions are being urged to become aware of their triggers while attending any outdoor events this summer.

According to the Asthma Society of Ireland (ASI), while an estimated one-third of Irish people have hay fever, between 60 and 80% of people with asthma are thought to have the condition and it can make asthma symptoms worse.

Also known as allergic rhinitis, hay fever is a seasonal condition. It refers to an allergy to pollen and spores. In Ireland, grass pollen is the most common cause. Symptoms can include a runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, sinus pressure and headaches.

"Both hay fever and asthma can be triggered by an allergic reaction and many of the same allergens are known to trigger both conditions. However, if hay fever is treated effectively, it could reduce asthma symptoms and may even prevent the development of asthma," the ASI noted.

It is urging anyone attending outdoor events, such as music festivals, to have a plan in place to manage both conditions.

It noted that aside from pollen, common triggers for hay fever include weather changes, cigarette smoke, aerosols and dry ice, all of which can be common at outdoor events.

"We know from experience that people often forget to bring their inhalers and hay fever medication to festivals. The advice is simple - keep your inhaler with you at all times and have a back-up with you in case of loss. Make sure you and your friends know what to do in an emergency and know where the medical tent is located. If you suffer from hay fever, make sure you have an adequate supply of your chosen medication," said ASI chief executive, Sharon Cosgrove.

In the case of an asthma emergency, the ASI offers the following advice:

-Take two puffs of your reliever inhaler (usually blue), one puff at a time
-Sit up and stay calm
-Take slow steady breaths
-If there is no improvement, take one puff of your reliever inhaler every minute. Adults and children over six years can take up to 10 puffs in 10 minutes. Children under six years can take up to six puffs in 10 minutes
-If symptoms do not improve, call a doctor or 999
-If after 10 minutes, medical help has no arrives, repeat the first four steps.

People are also reminded that a live pollen tracker is available on the ASI website here

For more information on asthma, see our Asthma Clinic here