With good planning and common sense there is no reason why asthma, rhinitis or allergies should interfere with your experience at concerts and music festivals.

Although there is no such thing as a risk-free event, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of running into trouble with asthma or allergies. Before the event, visit your GP to review your treatment and discuss an Asthma Action Plan that will help you manage your asthma on daily basis and ensure you know how to deal with an emergency.

It is difficult to avoid exposure of allergies (e.g. pollen, moulds and spores) at outdoor events. It is advisable that before attending outdoor events, people with rhinitis and hay fever should:

Check the pollen forecast for the region.

Bring appropriate medication and an extra supply as they maybe mislaid.

Top tips for managing hay fever during outdoor festivals

  • Splash eyes with water regularly.
  • Wear wraparound sunglasses.
  • Smear Vaseline inside your nose to prevent pollen inhalation.
  • Most pollen is released mid-morning and late afternoon. People who suffer with rhinitis and hay fever should avoid sitting in campsites at times of high pollen.
  • To reduce exposure, close tents when the pollen count is high.
  • Wash sleeping bags prior to use at 60 degrees.
  • Take medication prior to pitching your tent as the levels of pollen may be disturbed.
  • If possible, ask a friend or family member to pitch your tent for you.

Hay fever treatments for outdoor festivals

WARNING: Please refer to advice/guidelines on the medication itself. Exercise caution when using the above medication and consuming alcohol.

  • Antihistamines are an example of medication for the treatment of hay fever and rhinitis symptoms. These are available in tablet, capsule, and liquid form.
  • Decongestant Sprays relieve stuffy noses. However, these sprays should only used for a few days at a time as they can have rebound effects.
  • Preventer treatments (steroid nasal sprays) can be used to prevent nose and eye symptoms developing. They are available in eye drops, nasal drops and nasal sprays. These should already be commenced a few weeks prior to the event.

Tips for major allergies and festivals

  • If a person is allergic to a specific food or drug, they need to carry medication such as EpiPen or Anapen Injection. This should be accessible at all times.
  • Carry two adrenaline kits with you.
  • Instruct a family member/friend how to inject.
  • Carry a letter from your GP stipulating your allergies.
  • Always wear a Medic Alert bracelet giving details of allergies and how to treat them.
  • Familiarise yourself with where the medical tents are.
  • Check the Health and Safety page of the website of the festival you are attending.
  • Depending on your allergy, be vigilant about purchasing food that may contain nuts, seeds etc., from vendors. Taking your own food may be an option.

Tips on camping with asthma and allergies

  • Always bring your reliever and controller medication with you and make sure it is easily accessible.
  • Bring spare medication in case your medication gets lost.
  • Carry an Asthma Attack Card with you at all times.
  • Be aware of triggers that may affect your asthma, for example:
    • Weather changes, such as cold air and humidity.
    • Allergies, such as dust, pollen and moulds.
    • Exercise (e.g. dancing at a concert) – use reliever medication 15-20 minutes prior to dancing at a gig/concert if exercise is a trigger.
    • Air pollutants, such as cigarette smoke, aerosols, and CO2 (dry ice).
    • Alcohol in excess may mask or trigger asthma symptoms.
    • Certain foods may trigger symptoms for some people with sensitivities.