Hay fever is a very common allergy, and it can make daily life harder than many people expect. Around 18% of people in Australia and New Zealand have allergic rhinitis, which is the medical name for it.
If you live in Bomaderry, Nowra or the wider Shoalhaven, you may notice it more at certain times of year, but especially during springtime. This guide explains the signs, what can help, and when to see your GP about allergies.
What Is Hay Fever, And What Causes It?
Despite the name, hay fever isn’t caused by hay, and it doesn’t cause a fever. The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) explains the cause. Your nose or eyes react to allergens in the air. These include pollen, dust mites, moulds and animal dander.
However, some people have symptoms only at certain times of the year. These are often called seasonal allergies. Others have symptoms all year, usually from dust mites, pets or mould.
Hay Fever Symptoms To Look Out For
Hay fever symptoms can include:
- Sneezing
- An itchy, runny nose
- Itchy, watery eyes
- An itchy throat, or a need to clear your throat
- A blocked nose, sometimes with mouth breathing and snoring
Symptoms can be mild. However, in some people, they disturb sleep and energy. They can also bring headaches and poor concentration.
How Is It Different From A Cold?
Some symptoms look like a cold or the flu. However, allergy symptoms often continue unless they are treated properly. If your symptoms keep returning at the same time each year, allergies may be the reason. Your GP can help you work it out.
Seasonal Allergies And Pollen In The Shoalhaven
Pollen is one of the most common triggers for seasonal allergies. According to ASCIA, trees usually release their pollen in late winter and early spring. Grasses flower after that.
Timing depends on the plant and where you live. So your own hay fever season may not match a friend’s.
Pollen levels also change from day to day. The amount of pollen in the air and the weather usually affect it. People with pollen allergies often find their symptoms ease in wet weather. On hot, windy days or after thunderstorms, however, symptoms may get worse.
If pollen is a trigger for you, ASCIA’s pollen allergy guide suggests a few simple steps:
- Stay indoors on windy days when pollen counts are high
- Avoid being outside just before, during or after thunderstorms
- Keep windows closed at home and in the car
- Wear sunglasses outside
- Shower and rinse your eyes after being outdoors
What Can Help With Hay Fever?
Treatment can ease symptoms, but it doesn’t remove the allergy itself. ASCIA says medicines used correctly can be effective and often have few side effects.
Hay fever treatment often starts with avoiding triggers where you can. For example, washing bedding in hot water may help if dust mites are the cause.
Hay fever medication is another option, such as antihistamines and nasal sprays. Salt water rinses can also help clear allergens from the nose.
Some products need extra care. Decongestants, for example, aren’t suitable for everyone or for long-term use. Check with your pharmacist or GP before you try one.
When To See Your GP About Hay Fever And Allergies
Many people manage mild symptoms with advice from a pharmacist. However, it’s still best to see your GP if:
- Your symptoms aren’t well controlled, or keep coming back
- Hay fever is affecting your sleep, concentration, work or school
- Wheezing starts, especially in spring or summer
- It’s unclear whether it is hay fever or something else
- An allergy test is something you’d like to talk about
If you’re searching for an allergy doctor, your regular GP is a good place to start. Your GP can talk through your symptoms and whether testing or a referral to an allergy specialist may help. ASCIA notes that a referral may be needed for allergy testing when symptoms affect day-to-day life.
Hay fever and asthma often go together. ASCIA says allergic rhinitis can raise the risk of asthma. It can also bring more asthma symptoms in people who already have it. If you have asthma, ask your GP to review your asthma action plan.
Hay fever on its own isn’t an emergency. However, a severe allergic reaction is. Call 000 straight away for difficult or noisy breathing, a swollen tongue, throat swelling or tightness, or trouble talking.
Get Support With Hay Fever From Your Bomaderry GP
Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, can affect your sleep, work and school. Knowing your triggers and using suitable treatment can help. So can seeing your GP when symptoms don’t settle. Together, they may make hay fever season easier to manage.
At Bomaderry Creek Health Centre, our GPs can talk with you about your symptoms and options during a medical consultation. Our team can help you manage your symptoms and address concerns and questions. We also welcome families from Bomaderry, Nowra and across the Shoalhaven.
Talk to your GP to see what is right for you. You can book an appointment online or call (02) 4413 2325.
Frequently asked questions
Is hay fever contagious?
No. Hay fever is an allergic reaction, not an infection, so you can’t catch it from someone else. ASCIA explains that it happens when the nose or eyes meet allergens. These include pollen, dust mites, moulds and animal dander. Some symptoms look like a cold, but a cold can spread between people.
How long does hay fever last?
It depends on the trigger. Seasonal hay fever tends to last while the pollen or mould you react to is in the air. Year-round hay fever, often linked to dust mites or pets, can continue all year.
ASCIA says allergy symptoms often continue unless they are treated properly. Your GP can help you work out your pattern.
Can children get hay fever?
Yes. ASCIA says allergic rhinitis affects both children and adults. If it isn’t well managed, it can lead to repeated ear infections in children. See your GP if your child has ongoing sneezing or a blocked, itchy nose.
Our guide to common childhood illnesses explains when to book.
Do I need an allergy test for hay fever?
Not always. ASCIA says allergy testing can help find the trigger. A referral to an allergy specialist may be needed when symptoms affect day-to-day life. Many people begin with a talk about their symptoms and when they happen.
Your GP can discuss whether testing or a referral may suit you.
Should I see a pharmacist or a GP first?
Both can help. A pharmacist can advise on medicines you can buy without a prescription. See your GP if symptoms are severe, keep coming back or aren’t well controlled.
Also see your GP if you wheeze or have asthma. Your GP can check that nothing else is causing your symptoms.