In 2023, over 30% of Irish adults reported experiencing hay fever, with seasonal allergic rhinitis affecting 1 in 5 people nationwide (Asthma Society of Ireland). This increasing prevalence means pharmacies must be well-prepared with the right stock, expert advice, and efficient service to meet demand. Here’s how you can manage spring allergy season effectively, ensuring patients get the best care while keeping your pharmacy running smoothly.

Stock Management: Ensuring Supply Meets Demand
With antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops flying off the shelves, proactive stock management is essential. Here’s how to stay ahead:

• Monitor Seasonal Demand Trends: Use previous years’ sales data to forecast demand for products like cetirizine, loratadine, and fexofenadine-based antihistamines.
• Order in Bulk Early: Secure stock from your supplier before peak season to avoid shortages. United Drug offers a wide range of allergy relief products, ensuring you have reliable access to essentials.
• Diversify Your Product Range: Ensure you stock both sedating and non-sedating antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays (e.g., fluticasone, mometasone), and alternative treatments like barrier balms and saline rinses.
• Stay Updated on Pollen Forecasts: The Met Éireann pollen tracker can help anticipate peak allergy days and plan inventory accordingly.

Patient Consultations: Providing Expert Advice
Hay fever symptoms vary widely, and not every patient will benefit from the same treatment. Effective consultations ensure they receive the most appropriate medication and lifestyle advice.

 Key Questions to Ask Patients:

- What symptoms are you experiencing (e.g., sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes)?
- Have you used antihistamines before, and did they work well for you?
- Do you need a non-drowsy option for work or driving?
- Do you wear contact lenses or have asthma (as these may influence treatment choice)?

Best Practice Advice:

• Daily Prevention: Encourage patients to take antihistamines before symptoms start to prevent severe reactions on high-pollen days.
• Combination Therapy: Recommend dual treatment where appropriate, such as pairing oral antihistamines with steroid nasal sprays for better symptom control.
• Non-Medicinal Support: Advise patients to:

-    Shower after being outdoors to remove pollen.
-    Keep windows closed during peak pollen hours (morning and evening).
-    Use petroleum jelly around the nostrils to trap pollen.
-    not dry clothes outside when the pollen count is high

OTC vs. Prescription: When to Refer Patients to a GP
While most allergy sufferers can manage symptoms with OTC medications, some may require stronger treatments. Signs that a GP referral is needed include:

• Symptoms not controlled by OTC medications after consistent use.
• Asthma symptoms worsening, such as increased wheezing or breathlessness.
• Severe eye irritation not relieved by OTC drops.

Pharmacists play a vital role in recognising when prescription treatments like montelukast (singular) or stronger corticosteroid sprays are necessary.

Marketing & Display Tips to Boost Engagement
Ensuring customers easily find allergy relief products can increase sales and improve patient experience. Consider these strategies:

• Create a Dedicated Allergy Season Display – Group antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops together for easy access.
• Educational Signage – Use shelf talkers highlighting “Non-Drowsy Options” or “Best for Nighttime Use”.
• Staff Training – Ensure team members can confidently recommend the right products and lifestyle tips. United Drug provides a broad range of allergy relief products, ensuring pharmacies can meet demand efficiently.
  
  Final Thoughts: Be the First Line of Defence This Allergy Season
  Spring allergies are one of the most common seasonal health concerns in Ireland, and as a pharmacist, you are often the first point of contact for patients seeking relief. By managing stock efficiently, providing expert consultations, and optimising product displays, you can ensure patients receive the best possible care.