A third of hay fever sufferers miss out on outdoor exercise as a result of their symptoms. That’s according to new research* carried out among Irish people who suffer from allergic rhinitis (hay fever) on behalf of Prevalin, the new and natural, nasal spray for symptoms of the condition.

The survey, carried out by Empathy Research showed that half of participants aged 25-34 felt unattractive when experiencing symptoms and 16% of respondents even admitted stuffing tissues up their nose in order to combat symptoms.

The Prevalin survey also highlighted the hazards of hay fever with almost half of participants (47%) having experienced problems driving or cycling as a result of their symptoms and almost one in five (18%) falling asleep at an inappropriate time due to drowsiness caused by their hay fever treatment.

Productivity in the work place was also found to be an issue with half of respondents admitting that their hay fever symptoms had impacted their working life.

More of the key findings from the survey include

• One in ten respondents said that their condition had impacted their sex or love life
• One in five Irish hay fever sufferers avoids going out altogether when the pollen count is high
• Over a quarter of respondents stated that their condition affects holidays and travelling
• Watery/teary eyes were the worst symptom of hay fever
• Of those surveyed, 88% of allergic rhinitis sufferers have an allergy to pollen (hay fever) with symptoms typically associated with warm summers. However, more than a quarter of respondents (27%) experienced allergic rhinitis symptoms all year round.

Allergic Rhinitis is prevalent worldwide affecting one in five people. These allergies are generally caused by pollen, grasses, moulds, house dust mite and cat dander.

According to allergy expert, Dr Caroline Dore Geraghty from the Winter Park Clinic Dublin 18, “Hay fever/ Seasonal allergic rhinitis is a chronic debilitating condition that has serious quality of life implications. It is often under diagnosed, undertreated and underestimated.

“The Prevalin survey not only highlights that it is a common condition but also highlights the quality of life issues faced by patients with allergic rhinitis. These include: decreased work performance, sleeping at inappropriate occasions, low self-esteem and lethargy. Hay fever/ Seasonal allergic rhinitis is also a risk factor for developing asthma. I would encourage people suffering from allergies to visit their GP or for milder symptoms to ask their pharmacist. It is not a conditioned to be sniffed at.”

Interestingly, the research also showed that 74% of respondents said that a lack of side effects / drowsiness was the most important factor in choosing a hay fever treatment.

Prevalin is a new natural, non-drowsy nasal spray that provides immediate action and is clinically proven to provide relief from sneezing, runny nose, blocked nose and itchy/ watery eyes without causing side-effects.

As Prevalin is natural and steroid-free, it can be used by pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Notes to editor: 

*Research carried out by Empathy Research in March 2011 among 504 people who suffer from an allergy to pollen (hay fever), dust, animal dander or mould.

Prevalin nasal spray is available in Pharmacies nationwide at €12.95
Prevalin for kids is also available for children 6-12 years.

Top tips from Dr. Caroline Dore Geraghty for allergen avoidance during pollen season :

1. 1.   Stay indoors when the pollen count is being reported as being high or when it is very humid.
2. 2.   Avoid mowing the grass if you are allergic to grass and stay indoors when the grass is being mowed.
3. 3.   Keep your windows closed during pollen season. If you have air conditioning in your car, office or home use it as it cleans the air as well as cooling it.
4. 4.   If you are allergic to pollens, you should dry your clothes indoors during pollen season.
5. 5.   Shower and wash your hair daily once you come indoors.
6. 6.   Wear wraparound sunglasses.
7. 7.   Pollen seasons can vary each year depending on weather conditions, however, in general the grass pollen peak is usually mid June. If you are extremely sensitive to grass pollen you could plan your annual vacation for this time.
8. 8.   Unfortunately exam time generally coincides with pollen season, if you suffer from Hayfever ensure you are on the right treatment routine that will control your symptoms with minimal side effects during this crucial time.
9. 9.   Washing out your nose with a salt water solution can be very soothing and can also remove allergens from the nasal passage.
10. 10.   Try to avoid nasal irritants like smoke which will aggravate an already inflamed nose.

Dr Caroline Dore Geraghty, Winter Park Clinic, Foxrock, Dublin 18

Caroline graduated from the Royal College of Surgeons in 2002. She then completed her general professional training in internal medicine and subsequently worked as a registrar in the Allergy and Immunology Department in Beaumont Hospital. Caroline has a Diploma in Dermatology and is completing her Masters degree in Allergy. She has a special interest in allergy investigation and treatment.

Issued on behalf of Chefaro Ireland by Walsh Public Relations
For information contact:
Gillian D’arcy, Walsh Public Relations. Tel: (01) 661 3515 or 087 1213384
Vivienne Gleeson, Walsh Public Relations. Tel: (01) 661 3515 or 086 347 5511
Email: gillian@walshpr.ie, vivienne@walshpr.ie