Aside from the common cold, winter can be a difficult season for those suffering with allergies.
The change in climate can cause certain allergies to flare up. Cold and windy weather can cause common allergy symptoms including watery eyes, itchy noses and constant sneezing.
Food intolerance is another health issue that can cause problems for people, regardless of the time of year.
If this is starting to sound familiar, then it might be worth heading along to the Allergy and Free From Expo, which takes place in the RDS, Dublin on the 11th and 12th October. If you can't make it on those dates, the showcase will travel to Cork's City Hall on the 8th and 9th November.
Interestingly, this is Ireland's largest event dedicated to those suffering from allergies and/or following a gluten free/wheat free/dairy free/ sugar free diet.
There will be a number of key speakers including talks from Selene Daly, eczema expert and Dermatology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Sligo General Hospital and Aveen Bannon, Nutritionist and specialist on coeliac disease and IBS.
Dr Joe Fitzgibbon, Clinical Director of the Galway and Hermitage Clinics, who specialises in allergies and former nutritionist of the Irish Food Safety Authority and Dr Edel Keaveney, whose expertise is in food labelling, will also be on hand to lend their expertise.
The Kitchen Zone will have free-from baking and cooking demonstrations and tastings from well-known cooks such as SuperValu ambassador Kevin Dundon of Dunbrody House, Lorraine Fitzmaurice from Blazing Salads, Eddie Eriksson of Cornucopia, whole food and vegetarian restaurant and nutritionist, and dietitian and master chef, Tara Canning.
Another option is to avail of the 1-2-1 Advice Clinics, these free advice clinics will allow visitors the opportunity to speak privately to experts and discuss their personal concerns.
The Asthma Society of Ireland's nurse specialists will be on hand to provide advice, support and information on asthma including asthma in children, asthma management and inhaler technique.
Dermatology nurses from the Irish Skin Foundation will offer advice to people who suffer from skin conditions and Anaphylaxis Ireland will also be present, their mission is supporting those living with severe allergies.
Parents of children suffering from allergies and food intolerances will also be on hand to share their experiences and offer advice.
Tickets to the Allergy and Free from Expo cost €10 each (plus booking fee) at Ticketmaster, and admission for all children under 12 is free.
