Hay fever is an allergic reaction to environmental allergens such as pollens, dust mite, mould and animal hair. Hay fever season is often associated with Spring when airborne pollens are at their peak but it can also occur throughout the year. Pollen is a fine powder released by plants as part of their reproductive cycle. Symptoms can include- sneezing, runny nose, itchy ears, nose and throat as well as red, itchy or watery eyes often causing headaches. In more severe cases you may find yourself unable to sleep, have difficulty concentrating and may feel tired or unwell.
It affects up to 1 in 5 Australians at some point in their life, and is more likely to occur if there is a family history of allergies.
The tiny hairs and mucus in the nose trap dust and pollens and a person who suffers from hay fever may be allergic to some of these particles that get trapped.
You may be able to help reduce hay fever symptoms by monitoring the pollen count forecast, staying indoors if possible after a thunderstorm or during windy days and splashing your eyes often with cold water to wash out the pollen.
Most people are able to relieve their symptoms to a certain extent with treatments such as nasal sprays, non-sedating antihistamine and eye drops. Before commencing any treatment speak to your pharmacist or make an appointment to discuss with your GP.
