Testimonials

“The Amber Centre has made a huge change to my life. I have suffered for years since I was about 7 years of age from allergies and hay fever. Summers for me were awful, my eyes swollen and puffy, and the itchiness was dreadful, my nose running and my mouth dry and itchy. Every year I got an injection which helped for a while but not for long. I heard about the Amber clinic from another local girl and I went with not much hope, I had tried many solutions over the years. So after a few months I started to notice a change, and the summer came and went without me having to get the injection. I was able to enjoy the summer again.
I also had a lot of problems with my stomach, no appetite and stomach cramps a lot. This made me very thin and with no energy. The Amber clinic changed all this for me, and now I am eating all around me and at a normal weight. My energy levels are now normal and in general I feel brilliant.
I was so long suffering with my stomach and allergies I didn’t realise what it felt like to be healthy and now thanks to the Amber clinic I feel wonderful and healthy. A new lease of life!!!!”

Rachel – Roscommon.

“My son Aaron was suffering with ‘hay-fever’ type symptoms for approximately six months and the symptoms were so bad that even the medicines etc. that I bought from the chemist were of no use.

I spoke to an assistant in the local chemist and she informed me about The Amber Centre. I had no idea what the treatment entailed but went along with an open mind. Alma tested Aaron and he was put on a course of drops. Alma explained how the treatment worked and we were amazed that after 3 months all of Aaron’s symptoms had gone.

Having seen for myself how this type of treatment works, I would strongly recommend it. Aaron is doing great now. Thank you for all your help.”

Janette Ashmore – Co. Meath

“My son, Jarlath, suffered from hay fever from a very young age. In particular, it was very difficult for him on School Sports Days as he could not participate due to streaming, sore, itchy eyes.

Jarlath attended The Amber Centre and was immediately put on a course of remedies to treat his hay fever. He continued on the treatments for three months. At this stage,his immunity had significantly improved.

Jarlath is looking forward to spending the summer outdoors this year!”

Cora O’Connor – Co. Longford

What is Hay Fever?
For a lot of people, outdoor enjoyment of the summer months is blighted by hay fever. Also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, hay fever is a very common condition caused by an allergic reaction to pollen or, less commonly, to mould spores. It affects the upper respiratory passages and also the eyes, causing a blocked nose; watery, itchy eyes; constant sneezing; headaches and depression.

For many students, the most stressful time of the year – exam time – is made worse by hay fever. Symptoms can last for the duration of the summer but treatment and preventative measures can help significantly.

The majority of hay fever sufferers are allergic to grass pollen, which is at its highest during May to August, peaking in June and early July. Pollen counts are highest in early morning when plants and flowers first release pollen and in late evening when the air begins to cool.

Who is at risk?
If you have a family history of allergic conditions such as asthma or eczema, you have an increased risk of suffering from hay fever because you are more likely to be hypersensitive to allergens (substances that cause allergic reactions).

Hay fever commonly presents in childhood and adolescence. Symptoms tend to improve with age; most people notice a reduction in symptoms as they enter their 30s and 40s.

Although hay fever seems to be less common in towns and cities than in the countryside, city dwellers can suffer just as much from hay fever. In fact, the high level of air pollutants in cities, when combined with pollen, can make hay fever symptoms even worse.

Causes
A small number of weeds that depend on wind rather than insects for cross pollination, as well as certain grasses and trees, produce sufficient quantities of pollen for wide distribution by air and are the most common cause of hay fever.

• Grass pollen. High levels of pollen in the summer.
• Tree pollen. Trees such as elder, elm, hazel and birch produce high levels of pollen in the spring.
• Mugworth. High levels of pollen in the autumn.

When the nose, throat and sinuses of susceptible individuals are exposed to pollen, special white blood cells produce antibodies called IgE (immunoglobulin type E). IgE prompts the release of histamine and other chemicals, which are responsible for the symptoms of hay fever.

If you are prone to hay fever, it is advisable to keep a close eye on the pollen count forecast. Symptoms usually begin when the pollen count exceeds 50.

Symptoms
Depending on conditions and the type of pollen or spores you are allergic to, symptoms may be mild or severe. In severe cases, life can be miserable during the high pollen season.

• The lining of the nose and sinuses becomes swollen and secretes mucous, causing a stuffy, runny nose and a loss of your sense of smell.
• The inside of your nose and ears may also feel thickly.
• The eyes become inflamed and watery.
• The presence of the allergen in the upper airways causes sneezing.

Prevention
• Avoid exposure to the allergen that triggers your allergic reaction
• Keep away from long grass and freshly mowed lawns. Do not mow the grass yourself
• Keep the windows closed during the pollen season, especially mid-morning and early evening
• Listen out for announcements of the pollen count
• Use an air conditioner or filter when possible