For many Australians, spring means sneezing, itchy eyes and a nose that will not stop running. Hay fever is common and can make daily life hard work. Knowing what drives it helps you plan for the season.

This guide covers the common symptoms, triggers and general ways to manage hay fever. It also explains thunderstorm asthma, which can affect people with hay fever. It is general information only and does not replace advice from your doctor.

What hay fever actually is

Hay fever is the common name for allergic rhinitis. It is an immune reaction to allergens in the air. Healthdirect, the national health advice service, says it affects about 1 in 5 Australian adults.

The name is misleading. Hay fever is not caused by hay and does not involve a fever. You can read more in the healthdirect guide to hay fever.

Seasonal and year round hay fever

Seasonal hay fever often flares in spring or summer. Healthdirect says it is usually caused by pollen. Grass, weed and tree pollens are common triggers.

Some people have symptoms all year. That is more likely linked to an allergen that is in the environment all the time, such as dust. Dust mites, animal fur or skin flakes, mould and latex are other triggers.

Common symptoms

Typical signs include an itchy, runny or blocked nose and itchy or watery eyes. Sneezing, breathing through the mouth and snoring are also common. Symptoms vary from person to person.

In severe cases, hay fever can disrupt sleep. That can lead to tiredness during the day, poor concentration and headaches. Healthdirect notes it may also cause ear infections in children and sinus infections in adults.

Cutting down your exposure

Reducing contact with your triggers is a simple first step. Healthdirect lists practical ideas for pollen, dust mites and mould. Here is a summary.

• On windy days with high pollen counts, stay indoors where you can.
• Shower after time outside and keep windows closed.
• Wear sunglasses to help protect your eyes from pollen.
• Wash bedding in hot water each week and use covers that keep out dust mites.
• Clean up mould, improve airflow and fix any leaks.

None of these will stop hay fever on their own. They can lower the load on your body during the worst weeks. Combine them with advice from your pharmacist or doctor.

General treatment options

Several kinds of treatment are available, and a pharmacist or doctor can help you choose. Saline nasal rinses or sprays can clear mucus and allergens from the nose and are generally safe. Antihistamines block histamine and are best taken when symptoms occur.

Corticosteroid nasal sprays reduce inflammation. Healthdirect says they should be used every day to be effective. Decongestant sprays are different and should not be used for more than a few days at a time.

For some people, immunotherapy is an option. It gradually exposes the body to an allergen to reduce reactions over time. Healthdirect says the process takes several years and must be started by a specialist, such as a clinical immunologist.

Some people also look at herbal products during allergy season. This post on facts about echinacea covers one popular herb. Check with a pharmacist or doctor before using any herbal product alongside other medicines.

Hay fever and asthma

Hay fever and asthma are closely linked. Healthdirect says about 4 in every 5 people with asthma also have hay fever. Untreated hay fever may raise the risk of asthma or make it harder to control.

That is why treating nasal symptoms matters even more for people with asthma. If you have both, talk to your doctor about managing them together. An asthma review before spring is a good habit.

Thunderstorm asthma

The National Asthma Council Australia describes thunderstorm asthma as a potent mix of pollens, weather conditions and rain. Rain breaks pollen grains into tiny particles. These can travel deeper into the lungs and cause severe symptoms.

It happens in spring or early summer, when pollen levels are high. The risk is highest outdoors in gusty winds just before a thunderstorm. Ryegrass pollen is the key trigger, and people strongly allergic to it are at highest risk.

It can also affect people who have never been told they have asthma. The council says people with spring hay fever can be affected. It is not known whether hay fever treatment protects against thunderstorm asthma, so talk to your doctor about your own risk.

The National Asthma Council thunderstorm asthma fact sheet suggests staying indoors before and during windy storms. Keep windows shut and set the air conditioner to recirculate. People with asthma should carry their reliever in spring and keep taking prescribed medicines. Do not ignore breathlessness, wheezing or chest tightness. Learn asthma first aid too.

Eyes, rest and care settings

Itchy, watery eyes are one of the most common complaints. If you are weighing up laser eye surgery options, mention any eye allergies to your eye specialist. They can advise on timing.

The same applies if you are part way through a laser eye surgery recovery timeline. Follow your surgeon’s advice on eye care during pollen season. Ask before using any new eye drops.

Dust and allergens matter in care settings too. The guide to overbed tables for a medical facility looks at furniture used beside patient beds. Keeping surfaces near the bed clean is part of a healthier room.

When to see a doctor

Healthdirect suggests seeing a doctor if symptoms are persistent, meaning at least 4 days a week for at least 4 weeks. The same applies if symptoms are moderate to severe and affect your sleep or daily activities. For mild or occasional symptoms, a pharmacist can advise.

A doctor will ask about your symptoms and triggers and may examine your nose and eyes. Allergy testing, such as a blood test or skin prick test, can identify specific allergens. A positive result does not always prove that allergen is causing your symptoms.

Frequently asked questions

Is hay fever caused by hay?

No. Hay fever is the common name for allergic rhinitis. It is not caused by hay and does not involve a fever.

Why are my symptoms worse in spring?

Seasonal hay fever is usually caused by pollen. Spring and summer are common times for symptoms. Grass, weed and tree pollens are typical triggers.

Can I get thunderstorm asthma if I do not have asthma?

Yes. The National Asthma Council says thunderstorm asthma can affect people with spring hay fever, even without an asthma diagnosis. Avoid gusty outdoor conditions during storms and talk to your doctor.

How long do nasal sprays take to work?

It depends on the type. Healthdirect says corticosteroid nasal sprays should be used every day to be effective. Ask your pharmacist how to use the one you choose.

This article is general information and not medical advice. It does not diagnose or treat any condition. Speak with your doctor or another qualified health professional about hay fever or asthma.