Hay fever is one of the most common allergies in the Ireland, affecting between 10-15% of the population. It is also known as Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis and only occurs during the spring and summer pollen season. Hay fever subsides with the onset of cold weather.

Research suggests that it can run in families, particularly those who also have a history of eczema and/or asthma. These illnesses are sometimes referred to as atopic conditions by your GP. Chemical substances, such as histamine, cause atopic conditions, these chemicals are normally stored in special cells of bodies immune system called "mast cells". Mast cells live inside body tissues, including the skin, nose and eyes.

The allergic person forms antibodies against pollens and other allergens. These antibodies attach themselves to the mast cells, and when exposed to allergen (e.g. pollen) the result is the release of "histamine" and other chemical substances from the mast cells. These chemical substances cause the body defences to react and produce an allergic response manifesting in itching, sneezing, congestion, fever and dripping.
The good news for people with hay fever is that a wide range of effective treatments is available to reduce the allergic response.