“People with a family history of allergies, asthma or eczema are more likely to develop hay fever, but environmental factors also play an important role.”—Lara Martin, Project Officer, Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA)
Key points
- Hay fever is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.
- Symptoms can affect sleep, concentration and daily wellbeing.
- Treatment and trigger avoidance can significantly reduce symptoms.
You don’t need to look at the calendar to know it’s spring. You can feel the returning warmth of the sun on your skin, see the budding blooms—and, if you’re prone to hay fever, you’re probably already reaching for the tissues.
If hay fever symptoms are getting you down, you’re not alone. In fact, hay fever is one of Australia’s most common allergic conditions, affecting people of all ages.
While it isn’t usually serious, hay fever can have a significant impact on sleep, concentration and overall wellbeing, not to mention a person’s enjoyment of the great outdoors.
The good news? Understanding what causes hay fever, recognising the symptoms and finding the right hay fever treatment can make a big difference.
What is hay fever and why are some people more susceptible to it?
According to Lara Martin, Project Officer at the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA), genetics may increase your likelihood of developing hay fever, but your environment can also influence when and how symptoms appear.
“Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, occurs when the immune system reacts to substances in the environment that are harmless to most people,” Lara explains.
“People with a family history of allergies, asthma or eczema are more likely to develop hay fever, but environmental factors also play an important role.”
Hay fever symptoms aren’t always what you expect
When you think of hay fever symptoms, itchy or watery eyes, a runny nose and sneezing probably spring to mind.
But Lara says that hay fever can also cause less obvious symptoms, including an itchy throat and frequent throat clearing. Or you might suffer from a blocked nose, which can lead to mouth-breathing and snoring.
“You should see a doctor if hay fever symptoms are affecting your sleep or concentration, causing daytime fatigue, headaches or worsening asthma, or if they persist despite over-the-counter treatment,” Lara says.
She adds that ear problems, such as recurrent ear infections in children, should also be investigated by a doctor.
When is hay fever season in Australia?
Understanding local pollen seasons can help you prepare for symptoms before they become severe. And as many hay fever sufferers know, symptoms aren’t limited to springtime.
“In general, tree pollens are more common in late winter and spring, while grass pollens are usually highest in spring and early summer,” Lara says. “However, some weeds, such as plantain, can flower for much longer periods.”
Where you live also has an impact.
“In northern coastal areas of Australia, subtropical grasses often peak in January to March,” Lara says. “While in southern parts of Australia, many allergenic grasses flower mainly from October to December.”
How to stop hay fever immediately
While there’s no instant cure for hay fever, Lara says several treatments can provide relatively quick relief.
Non-sedating antihistamines—which are available as tablets, syrups, nasal sprays and eye drops—can help reduce symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes and irritation.
Saline (salt water) sprays and rinses can also help by clearing allergens from the nose and relieving congestion.
However, Lara says that although decongestant sprays and tablets can be very effective at unblocking and drying up the nose, they should be used with caution.
“Nasal decongestion sprays should not be used for more than a few days at a time as this can make nasal congestion worse and lead to long-term problems in the nose,” she warns. “Some decongestants also have side effects, such as tremors, trouble sleeping, anxiety or an increase in blood pressure.”
Intranasal corticosteroid sprays, which work by reducing inflammation, are another treatment option. But Lara notes that these are most effective when used regularly, rather than every now and then when symptoms become severe.
With so many products available, it can be difficult to know where to start, so Lara recommends speaking with a pharmacist to help you find the most appropriate treatment for your symptoms.
Because they are trained health professionals, pharmacists can help you avoid common treatment mistakes, including using nasal sprays incorrectly, not using daily treatments, stopping treatments too soon, and relying on decongestants for too long.
Can you get rid of hay fever permanently?
While most medications simply help control symptoms, allergen immunotherapy (also known as AIT or desensitisation) could offer more long-term relief.
AIT is usually considered for people with moderate to severe allergic rhinitis, particularly when symptoms are not well controlled with standard treatments.
“AIT is the closest treatment currently available to changing the underlying allergic response,” Lara explains. “It can reduce symptom severity and the need for ongoing medication, with benefits that may continue after treatment finishes.”
Treatment should be initiated by a clinical immunology/allergy specialist and typically continues for three to five years.
Practical ways to reduce hay fever triggers
Alongside medication, reducing exposure to pollen can help minimise hay fever symptoms.
You might want to try:
- avoiding activities, such as mowing the grass, that increase exposure to allergens
- showering after spending time outdoors when pollen levels are high
- using recirculated air in the car when pollen levels are high
- wearing sunglasses to help reduce the amount of pollen reaching your eyes
- drying clothing and bedding indoors or in a tumble dryer.
Lara also points out that another important consideration is thunderstorm asthma, a phenomenon that has received increased attention in Australia.
According to ASCIA, thunderstorms can cause pollen grains to break apart into much smaller particles that are more easily inhaled. For people with pollen allergies or asthma, this can trigger serious symptoms, which is why Lara recommends staying indoors during, before and after thunderstorms when pollen levels are high.
And pollen isn’t the only thing to watch out for, she adds. Other common allergens include dust, pets and mould.
To reduce dust and mould exposure, Lara suggests:
- washing bedding weekly in hot water
- vacuuming carpets weekly, and damp dusting or using electrostatic cloths on hard surfaces
- ensuring adequate ventilation throughout the home
- fixing leaks and drying or removing wet carpet as soon as possible.
Along with over-the-counter treatments, these simple lifestyle changes may help keep symptoms under control. But if hay fever is still bugging you, it’s worth speaking with your pharmacist or doctor.
After all, spring should be remembered for sunshine and blooming gardens, not itchy eyes, blocked noses and endless sneezing.
