Hay fever (also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis) is caused by an allergy to pollen. Pollen particles are released into the air by flowers, grasses and trees, particularly in Spring and Summer- causing runny nose, sneezing and itchiness of the throat, eyes and ears. It can be severe in some cases, with bouts of repeated sneezing, a constantly streaming nose and inflamed eyes. On a bad day, it can be almost impossible to work, study or socialise. Some people get hay fever symptoms all year round, from dust, moulds or animal hair/dander.

Hayfever happens when a person’s own IgE antibodies attach to an allergen ( i.e. pollen, dust, animal dander or whatever the trigger is for that individual), leading to the release of inflammatory chemicals such as histamine– which in turn cause the tell-tale hay fever symptoms.

• Usually not. In nearly all cases, diagnosis is obvious based on the typical hay fever symptoms, and the fact that these symptoms get better when the trigger is avoided and/or a trial of hay fever medication works.
• Whilst there are skin prick tests and blood tests available, they are not often performed, as they often show false positives, which can be misleading.
• However, if your hay fever symptoms are severe, sometimes your GP or respiratory specialist may feel it’s worth getting such tests done.

• There is no single most effective type of hay fever medication – it varies from person to person.
• Some people find a once daily antihistamine tablet controls symptoms very well.
• However, quite often, drowsiness can be a problem with antihistamines, even the supposedly “non-drowsy” ones.
• Other types of hay fever medication such as steroid nasal sprays can be very helpful for an itchy and runny nose- these take a few weeks of regular use to build up their effect, so it’s important to persist.
• Combination nasal sprays may contain a fast-acting antihistamine and a slower-acting steroid. Even though they may be more pricey than other nasal sprays, the dual action makes it a very popular choice among patients.
• Antihistamine eye drops can effectively target the irritated itchy eyes of hay fever

At peak times it can be hard to avoid pollen, but here are a few sensible tips:

• If possible, try to stay indoors until after midday, particularly when the pollen count is high and on windy days
• Stay indoors during and just after thunderstorms, particularly if pollen counts are high. Information about pollen counts is available at pollenforecast.com.au
• If possible, get someone else to mow your lawn (if you must do it, wear a mask and take an antihistamine beforehand) and stay inside if it’s being mown.
• Keep windows closed both at home and in the car (use recirculating air conditioning in your car if you have it)
• Wear sunglasses when outdoors
• If landscaping your garden select plants that are less likely to trigger hayfever, and make sure none of the more troublesome types are growing near your bedroom window!
• Shower when you get home/after being outdoors

It’s not certain why hay fever happens. But it does seem that there’s a lower risk in people who are exposed to animals early in life, people who grow up on a farm, or those who have lots of brothers and sisters!

• For most people it’s about managing symptoms of hayfever (allergic rhinitis) and avoiding triggers.
• If you’ve got severe allergic rhinitis, it is possible to get a course of immunotherapy via an allergy specialist.
• Immunotherapy involves getting regular injections which, over 3-5 years, may result in desensitisation to the trigger- i.e. a cure, though it does not work for everyone.

Steroid injections used to be given for hayfever. Doctors no longer recommend this option because of the significant side effects of steroid use, and the fact that there are now many other effective, safer hay fever medications available.