Hay fever is the common name for seasonal allergic rhinitis. It affects 1 in 5 people in Australia.
Hay fever describes a reaction that occurs when your nose or eyes come in contact with allergens to which you are sensitive, such as pollen, dust mites, moulds or animal hair. For some people, exposure to these allergens can trigger an immune response (your body’s natural defence system), which leads to swelling and inflammation in the inner lining of the nose (rhinitis).
Common symptoms of hay fever include:
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an itchy, runny or blocked nose
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itchy or watery eyes
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frequent sneezing
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needing to breathe from the mouth
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always needing to clear your throat
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feeling like you have a head cold
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snoring
Less common symptoms of hay fever may include:
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interrupted sleep
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feeling tired during the day
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difficulty concentrating
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frequent headaches
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recurring sore throats
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a hoarse voice
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facial pain or pressure
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a reduced sense of smell
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frequent sinus infections in adults
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recurring ear infections (otitis) in children
You might only experience some of these symptoms, but still have hay fever or allergic rhinitis. Some of these symptoms can be caused by other diseases too.
When should I see my doctor?
Most people are able to manage or relieve hay fever on their own. However, you should speak with your doctor about treatment options if your symptoms seem to be:
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persistent, meaning that you experience symptoms at least 4 days in a week, for at least 4 weeks or more
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moderate to severe, meaning that your symptoms affect your sleep and daily activities such as work, school, sport and leisure.
Your doctor can help you by asking you in detail about your symptoms, reviewing your home and work environment for possible triggers, and by assessing how intense your hay fever symptoms are and how much hay fever affects your day-to-day life. They can then organise further tests to investigate possible causes and help you find ways to manage or avoid hay fever in the future.
