Allergies

As many as 20% of Ireland’s population suffer with some form of allergy. Half of these have serious conditions such as asthma or eczema, however, many put up with minor symptoms or explain them away as a summer cold.1

The number of hayfever sufferers has increased two to three-fold over the last 20-30 years in common with other allergic disorders, and estimated to affect 15-20% of the population of westernised countries.2

Grass pollen is the most common allergen in Ireland and implicated in most hayfever allergies; 90% of people with hayfever in Britain and Ireland are allergic to it.3

The grass high pollen season begins in June, depending on which part of the country you happen to live. There is seasonal variation and the exact start date will depend on the weather throughout March, April and May.3

Whilst some allergic reactions can be severe, with correct management and education most can be controlled.

This website is designed to help answer questions and provide support for the sufferers and their carers.

 

1. http://www.irishhealth.com/article.html?id=2441 [paragraph 10, summer cold]
2. Allergy, the unmet need. Publication year 2003; Publisher: Royal College of Physicians; Page 44
3. http://www.irishhealth.com/article.html?id=2441 [paragraph 6-7]
4. http://www.irishhealth.com/article.html?id=2441 [paragraph 14]