With pollen levels rising, the Asthma Society of Ireland is warning people with both asthma and hay fever to take precautions, as the two conditions together can be ‘particularly dangerous'.

Some 300,800 people in Ireland have both conditions and pollen levels are predicted to be high over the coming days.

"Hay fever symptoms are capable of escalating an asthma attack, which in some cases can be fatal. Asthma deaths are rising in Ireland, with one person now dying every six days as a result of their asthma. In addition, people with hay fever experience symptoms which really compromise their quality of life and ability to enjoy the summer months," explained the Asthma Society's CEO, Sarah O'Connor.

She is urging people affected by both conditions to take precautions and to follow the society's following tips for surviving hay fever season:

-Keep an eye on the society's daily pollen tracker here
-Speak to a nurse on the Asthma Society's free joint Asthma and COPD Adviceline (1800 44 54 64) about putting a hay fever management plan in place
-Talk to a doctor or pharmacist now about taking medication to prevent/reduce your symptoms. Do not wait until you feel unwell
-Keep windows shut in your bedroom at night
-Keep windows and doors closed when the pollen count is high
-Stay indoors as much as possible on high pollen days
-Stay away from grassy areas, especially when grass is freshly cut
-Put Vaseline around your nostrils to trap pollen
-Wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting into your eyes
-Shower, wash your hair and change your clothes if you have been outside for an extended period
-Avoid drying clothes outdoors, or shake them outdoors before bringing them in
-Minimise your contact with pets that have been outdoors and are likely to be carrying pollen
-Consider a purifier with a built-in air quality sensor to remove allergens and pollutants from the air.

Common hay fever symptoms include a runny nose, nasal congestion, watery and itchy red eyes, frequent sneezing, an itchy nose, and headache.

Niamh O‘Halloran suffered a near fatal asthma attack because of her hay fever. She noted that for most of her friends with hay fever, they experience symptoms such as a runny nose, itchy throat and itchy, watery eyes, but for her, the two conditions together can be ‘a lot more serious'.

"It is essential that I manage my hay fever to ensure it does not lead to a serious asthma attack. In my teenage years, I suffered an asthma attack because of my hay fever which nearly took my life and left me in hospital for over a week. It was a terrifying experience and I did not know if I was going to make it.

"Today, I make sure to take my antihistamines, along with all my asthma medications as part of my Asthma Action Plan. Controlling my hay fever is extremely important as it prevents me ending up back in hospital," she explained.

According to Dr Marcus Butler, medical director of the Asthma Society, managing asthma is more difficult during the summer, due to the rising pollen count.

"Research suggests that up to 80% of people with asthma notice a worsening of asthma symptoms due to allergies such as pollen, as their bodies trigger an allergic reaction.

"I see a drop in asthma control among my allergic asthma patients during hay fever season, which leaves them at risk of a more serious asthma attack. It is vital that all asthma patients with pollen or grass allergy have an Asthma Action Plan and prepare for the hay fever season to limit its effects," he said.

Anyone with any questions can call the joint Asthma and COPD Adviceline on 1800 44 54 64, where a trained respiratory nurse will speak to you.

Information on gardening with asthma and hay fever is also available here.