Hay fever / Allergies Patient Information Leaflet

What is hay fever?

• Hay fever (also called seasonal allergic rhinitis) is an allergy to pollen produced by grasses, trees or flowers. Some people get symptoms all year round from other triggers, such as dust mites, moulds, chemicals, or exposure to dogs, cats or other animals- this is called perennial allergic rhinitis.
• Exposure to the trigger causes a  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.
• Hay fever is very common and tends to run in families.
• Individuals are more likely to develop hay fever if they have eczema or asthma- these are known collectively as atopic conditions.

Symptoms

• The symptoms of hay fever can vary from person to person.
• Common symptoms can include:
  • Sneezing
  • Blocked nose
  • Runny nose
  • Itchy and watery red eyes
  • Itchy throat
  • Sinus congestion/pain
  • Asthma symptoms – such as wheeze and breathlessness

Diagnosis

• Your GP can usually diagnose hay fever on the basis of your symptoms.
• Occasionally allergy testing may be required

What treatments are available?

Commonly used hay fever treatment options include:

• Antihistamine tablets
• Steroid and Antihistamines nasal sprays
• Eye drops
• Leukotriene receptor antagonists
• Decongestant nasal sprays
• Inhalers
• Immunotherapy

Antihistamines

• Antihistamines work by blocking a substance called  “histamine”,  which the body produces during allergic reactions.
• They can ease most hay fever  symptoms, but may not be very effective for relieving nasal symptoms.
• Many different antihistamines are available over the counter at the pharmacy
• Older antihistamines tend to cause drowsiness, but this is a less common problem with more recent ones such as Claratyne (Loratadine), Aerius (Desloratidine), Zyrtec (Cetirizine) and Telfast (Fexofenadine).
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you are advised to avoid antihistamines.

Steroid and Antihistamine nasal spray

• Steroid nasal sprays
• Steroid nasal sprays will usually alleviate nasal symptoms of hay fever.
• They work by reducing inflammation in the nose.
• Steroid nasal sprays may not provide immediate relief of symptoms, as they take a few weeks to become fully effective.
• They can be taken together with antihistamine tablets if necessary.
• Steroid nasal sprays need to be taken regularly to work properly.
• Some steroid nasal sprays are available over the counter, others are prescription only.
• One variety of spray contains both a steroid AND an antihistamine, which has a more immediate action.
• Side effects of steroid nasal sprays are uncommon but can include nosebleeds, headaches, dryness or irritation of the nose or throat.

Eye drops

• Anti-allergy eye drops may further relieve itch and watering if the above medications do not work. Some are available over the counter, others a prescription only.

Leukotriene receptor antagonists

• These medicines block the effect of leukotrienes – substances the body produces during an allergy.
• They can be taken together with antihistamine tablets, and may be very effective, especially in people who also have asthma.

Inhalers

• Some people may get asthma symptoms with hay fever,  including chest tightness, wheezing and shortness of breath.
• If you have any of these symptoms  you should seek medical attention

Desensitisation/Immunotherapy

Some allergy specialists offer courses of treatment which make your body build up tolerance to pollen or other hay fever triggers. It may be considered in severe cases. It can take many years to work, and usually involves repeated injections with tiny amounts of the allergen/trigger.  

Online prescriptions for treatment of hay fever are available at https://www.qoctor.com.au/medication

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