Hay fever (Allergic Rhinitis): Your Questions Answered 

Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, is a common condition that affects millions of Australians each year.1 It happens when your nose and/or eyes reacts to environmental allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander.1 

For some people, hay fever is a mild nuisance. For others, it can be disruptive causing sneezing, a blocked or itchy, runny nose, itchy watery eyes, and an itchy throat.1 If you’re struggling with hay fever, you’re not alone, around 1 in 5 Australians are affected.1,2 

In this article, we’ll answer frequently asked questions about hay fever, explain ways to manage symptoms, and highlight when it’s time to seek professional help. If you need tailored support, our nurse practitioners are available via telehealth to assess your symptoms and create a treatment plan that works for you. 

What are the first signs of hay fever? 

Hay fever symptoms usually appear quickly after exposure to allergens and can include1-3: 

  • Sneezing 
  • An itchy, runny nose 
  • Itchy, watery eyes 
  • An itchy throat 
  • A blocked nose that can sometimes cause mouth breathing or snoring 

These symptoms often worsen during pollen seasons (spring and early summer) but can also occur year-round if triggered by dust mites, mould, or pets.1 

Why does hay fever happen? 

Hay fever occurs when the body encounters allergens (substances it is sensitive to) and mistakenly reacts to them.2 Exposure to these allergens triggers the immune system to release histamine, which leads to the classic hay fever symptoms.2,3 

If left untreated, hay fever can increase your risk of developing asthma or make existing asthma harder to manage.2 Since around 4 in 5 people with asthma also experience hay fever, it’s important to treat nasal symptoms to help keep breathing under control.2 

What are the common triggers for hay fever? 

Hay fever triggers vary from person to person. Common ones include1,2: 

  • pollens from grasses, weeds, and trees 
  • dust mites 
  • mould spores 
  • animal dander (fur or skin flakes) 
  • latex 

Knowing your triggers can help you better manage symptoms and reduce flare-ups. Avoiding these triggers remains the most effective way to prevent hay fever symptoms. 

Can hay fever make you tired? 

Yes. If your hay fever symptoms are severe, you may also experience1,2: 

  • daytime tiredness 
  • difficulty concentrating 
  • headaches 
  • sleep disturbance 

Managing hay fever effectively often improves these symptoms. 

What’s the difference between hay fever and a cold? 

Hay fever and colds share some symptoms, like a runny or blocked nose and sneezing. But there are key differences1–4: 

  • Hay fever: symptoms start immediately after exposure to an allergen, last as long as exposure continues, don’t cause fever, and often include itchy eyes. 
  • Colds: caused by viruses, last 7-10 days, can cause fever, sore throat, and body aches, and aren’t triggered by pollen or allergens. 

If you’re not sure, track when symptoms appear. If they come on seasonally or in specific environments (e.g., near pets or outdoors), hay fever is likely. 

Can children get hay fever? 

Yes, children can also get hay fever.1-2,5 It can impact their sleep and ability to concentrate well at school.5 Safe treatment options are available for children, but the right choice depends on age and severity. Many children who get hay fever also have other allergic conditions like asthma, eczema or food allergies.5 

If your child has ongoing symptoms, it’s best to speak with a healthcare professional for personalised advice. 

How can I prevent hay fever from pollen? 

The best way to prevent hay fever is to avoid the substances that trigger your symptoms.2 The less contact you have with triggers, the less likely you are to experience a reaction. If your hay fever is seasonal and linked to pollen, you can2,5: 

  • Check pollen levels during spring and summer so you know what to expect. 
  • Stay indoors with doors and windows closed on high-pollen days. 
  • Dry clothes inside to avoid pollen sticking to fabrics. 
  • Limit time outdoors when grass is freshly mown or during and after thunderstorms. 
  • Shower or bathe after spending time outside to remove pollen from your skin and hair. 

How can I prevent hay fever from indoor triggers? 

If your hay fever occurs year-round (perennially), it may be caused by triggers such as dust mites, mould, or pet dander. Practical steps include2,5: 

Dust mites: 

  • Wash your bed linen in hot water every week 
  • Use a hot tumble dryer for at least 10 minutes to kill dust mites 
  • Use pillow and mattress covers that protect against dust mites 
  • Dust surfaces with a damp cloth every week 

Animal dander:

  • Keep pets outside if possible. 

Mould:  

  • Clean away any visible mould in your house 
  • Allow fresh air into your house regularly 
  • Don’t keep indoor plants 
  • Ensure there are no leaking taps or pipes  

If the cause of your hay fever is unclear, a telehealth nurse practitioner can help. They can discuss your symptoms, arrange testing if needed, and create a personalised plan to manage your hay fever effectively. 

What treatments are available for hay fever? 

There’s no cure for hay fever. However, in addition to allergen avoidance there are a range of treatments that can help control symptoms. Options include1-3,5: 

  • Antihistamines: available orally, as nasal sprays and eye drops. Antihistamines help to reduce sneezing, runny nose, and itching 
  • Intranasal corticosteroid sprays: more effective when used regularly and help to reduce inflammation and therefore symptoms 
  • Combination nasal sprays: contain both an antihistamine and intranasal corticosteroid offering the advantages of both medicines 
  • Decongestant nasal sprays: short-term relief of blocked nose (not recommended long-term) 
  • Decongestant tablets: help to relieve a blocked nose 

A nurse practitioner can provide tailored advice and recommend the most suitable treatments for your symptoms. 

Can hay fever affect my asthma? 

Yes. Around 4 in 5 people with asthma also experience hay fever.2 If you have both, treating your nasal symptoms is especially important.2 Hay fever can make asthma harder to control, and many people notice their asthma symptoms worsen during pollen season.1-5 Managing hay fever well can help improve asthma control, reduce flare-ups, and enhance your overall quality of life.1-5 

What’s allergen immunotherapy? 

There’s no permanent cure for hay fever, but symptoms can be well controlled with the right strategies and treatments. For people with severe or ongoing symptoms that don’t improve with standard medicines or avoiding triggers, allergen immunotherapy may be an option. 

Also known as desensitisation, this treatment helps your body learn not to react to an allergen.2 Small, gradually increasing doses of the allergen (such as pollen or dust mites) are given regularly, either as injections or as tablets/spray/drops under the tongue.1,2 Over time, this can reduce sensitivity and ease symptoms. 

Immunotherapy is a long-term treatment, usually lasting three to five years, and is typically managed by a clinical immunologist or allergy specialist.1 For some people, it not only reduces the severity of hay fever but may also lessen the need for regular medicines and provide lasting benefits.1 

If you’re interested in allergen immunotherapy, book an appointment with a nurse practitioner. They can review your symptoms and, if appropriate, provide a referral to a specialist clinical immunologist who can determine whether this treatment is right for you. 

When should I see a healthcare professional about hay fever? 

Book an appointment if your symptoms are2: 

  • Persistent: you have symptoms at least 4 days in a week for at least 4 weeks 
  • Moderate to severe: your symptoms are affecting your sleep or daily activities such as work, study or leisure. 

You might also like to speak with one of our nurse practitioner team if: 

  • You have asthma symptoms (wheezing, coughing, breathlessness) 
  • You’re unsure whether your symptoms are hay fever or something else 

A telehealth consultation makes it easy, our nurse practitioners can review your symptoms, prescribe treatments, and provide long-term management advice without needing to leave home. 

Take the next step 

Hay fever can be frustrating, but you don’t need to put up with it. With the right care, most people can find relief and get back to enjoying daily life. 

If your symptoms are getting in the way, our experienced nurse practitioners are here to help. Through a telehealth consultation, they can assess your symptoms, recommend effective treatment, and create a personalised plan for lasting relief. 

Book your telehealth appointment today and take the first step towards clearer breathing and calmer days. 

Book Appointment

References 

  1. ASCIA. Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever). Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA). Published February 2024. Accessed August 20, 2025. https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/allergic-rhinitis-hay-fever-and-sinusitis/allergic-rhinitis-or-hay-fever 
  1. Health Direct. Hay fever (allergic rhinitis). www.healthdirect.gov.au. Published October 2024. Accessed August 20, 2025. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hay-fever 
  1. Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia. Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) management and treatment - Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia. Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia - Your trusted charity for allergy support. Published April 17, 2025. Accessed August 20, 2025. https://allergyfacts.org.au/allergic-rhinitis-treatment/ 
  1. Health Direct. Cold. www.healthdirect.gov.au. Published April 2024. Accessed August 20, 2025. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/colds 
  2. The Royal Children’s Hospital General Medicine department. Kids Health Information : Hay fever. www.rch.org.au. Published December 2024. Accessed August 20, 2025. https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Hay_fever/ health appointment with a nurse practitioner today and get a clear plan to protect your bones. future. 

PRESCRIPTION-004473

Similar Posts