This guide covers common hay fever symptoms and treatment options, and when it's time to see your GP at Kilmore Village Medical.
What is hay fever, and who does it affect?
Hay fever is the everyday name for allergic rhinitis, an allergy that affects your nose and eyes. Despite the name, it isn't caused by hay and doesn't cause a fever. It's very common: ASCIA, the peak body for allergy specialists, says allergic rhinitis affects around 18% of people in Australia and New Zealand.
Common hay fever symptoms
- Sneezing: sometimes in long runs, especially outdoors
- A runny, itchy or blocked nose: it can feel like a cold that never quite goes away
- Itchy or watery eyes: which may look red and feel irritated
Hay fever doesn't cause a fever, so a high temperature usually points to something else, such as a cold or flu. Left untreated, hay fever can disturb your sleep, leave you tired during the day and make sinus infections more likely.
Why spring can be hard going
In south-east Australia, spring hay fever is often triggered by grass pollen, which the wind carries over long distances. You can check the daily pollen forecast through Melbourne Pollen.
Grass pollen season also brings a small risk of thunderstorm asthma, when high grass pollen levels meet a certain type of thunderstorm. People with spring hay fever are at risk, and so are people who have asthma but haven't been diagnosed. If you notice wheezing or shortness of breath, don't ignore it: check in with your GP.
Treatment options
A pharmacist or doctor can recommend treatment based on your symptoms, your health history and any other medicines you take. Common options include:
- Antihistamines: may help with sneezing, itching and a runny nose
- Nasal sprays: some are saltwater-based and others are medicated
- Reducing your exposure: avoiding your trigger where you can may ease symptoms
Hay fever medicines can reduce symptoms but can't cure hay fever, and results vary between people. If your symptoms are severe, ASCIA says an allergy specialist may need to do further assessment and allergy testing.
When to see your GP
Some people only need a chat with their pharmacist, while others need more support. Book a GP appointment if:
- Your symptoms are ongoing and affect your day-to-day life
- Pharmacy treatments aren't giving you enough relief
- Hay fever is disturbing your sleep or wearing you out
- You keep getting sinus infections
- You're not sure if it's hay fever, a cold or something else
- You have wheezing, a tight chest or a cough that won't settle
- You have asthma and want to review your asthma plan before or during pollen season
For people with asthma, better control of hay fever often helps asthma control too, so it's worth raising them together. Your GP can also talk through whether allergy testing or a specialist referral makes sense for you.
In an emergency, including severe difficulty breathing or signs of a severe allergic reaction, call 000.
You don't have to push through the season
Knowing the symptoms, your treatment options and the signs it's time to get help can make the season more manageable. GP consultations are bulk billed for Medicare-eligible patients. Book online or call (03) 4714 8400.
The information in this article is general in nature and isn't a substitute for personalised medical advice. If you're concerned about your health, book an appointment with your GP at Kilmore Village Medical or call (03) 4714 8400.