Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, is an allergic reaction that can cause sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, and itchy eyes. Spring pollen from grasses, trees and weeds can trigger symptoms in people who are sensitive to it. This guide explains common symptoms, practical relief options and when to speak with a GP.
Key Takeaways
- Spring hay fever is commonly linked to pollen exposure
- Sneezing, nasal congestion and itchy eyes are typical symptoms
- Hay fever can look like a cold, but a fever is not typical
- Relief options include antihistamines, nasal sprays and ways to reduce pollen exposure
- Symptoms that affect sleep or daily life may benefit from a GP review
Why Is Hay Fever Worse in Spring?
Hay fever can feel worse in spring because grasses, trees and weeds release pollen into the air. People who are sensitive to these pollens may notice more sneezing, congestion and itchy eyes as exposure rises.
Spring runs from September to November in Australia, but pollen seasons vary by plant and region. Windy conditions may increase exposure to airborne pollen. For people gardening or working outdoors around Clarence Town, avoiding pollen completely can be difficult. Dust mites, mould and animal dander can also cause year-round allergic rhinitis. ASCIA explains more about Australian pollen seasons and allergy triggers.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Hay Fever?
Hay fever mainly affects the nose and eyes, although symptoms vary between people. Common symptoms include:
- Frequent sneezing
- An itchy, runny or blocked nose
- Itchy, watery or red eyes
- An itchy throat or ears
- Postnasal drip, which can cause throat clearing
Nasal congestion can disturb sleep and contribute to daytime tiredness or difficulty concentrating. Some people also experience headaches, although these can have other causes. Hay fever itself does not cause a true fever.
Is It Hay Fever or a Cold?
Hay fever is an allergic reaction, while a cold is caused by a virus. The two can look alike, so these differences may help.
| Feature | Hay fever | Common cold |
| Sneezing | Common | Common |
| Itchy eyes or nose | Characteristic | Less typical |
| Runny or blocked nose | Common | Common |
| Fever | Not typical | May occur |
| Duration | Can continue during allergen exposure | Often improves within days |
Colds may also cause sore throats, fever or body aches. Because symptoms can overlap, this comparison cannot confirm a diagnosis. Speak with a GP if the cause is unclear or symptoms persist.
What Helps Relieve Hay Fever in Spring?
Hay fever relief usually combines suitable treatments with steps to reduce pollen exposure. Different treatments target different symptoms, so the best choice depends on your symptoms, age and medical history. Mild hay fever can often be managed with advice from a pharmacist, who can suggest what to try first.
Antihistamines for Sneezing, Itching and a Runny Nose
Antihistamines block the effects of histamine, helping relieve sneezing, itching and a runny nose. They are available as tablets and other preparations, including some nasal sprays and eye drops. They may be less helpful for a blocked nose. Ask a pharmacist or GP about suitable options, particularly for children, during pregnancy or when taking other medicines.
Corticosteroid Nasal Sprays for a Blocked Nose
Corticosteroid nasal sprays can reduce inflammation inside the nose, so they are often helpful for ongoing congestion. They generally work best when used regularly as directed. Improvement may take several days, and the full benefit may take longer. Correct spray technique matters.
Decongestant sprays are different. They should only be used short term, because prolonged use can make congestion worse. In some situations, a combination nasal spray may be suitable.
Saline Rinses and Eye Drops
Saline sprays or rinses may help clear mucus and pollen from the nose. If you use a rinsing device, follow the product instructions and use sterile, distilled, or boiled and cooled water. Eye drops may help itchy or watery eyes, and some contain antihistamines. A pharmacist can suggest a suitable product.
Can Home Remedies or Natural Treatments Cure Hay Fever?
Home remedies cannot reliably cure hay fever, and immediate relief is not guaranteed. Saline nasal care and reducing pollen exposure may help symptoms. Evidence does not establish local honey or homeopathic remedies as effective hay fever treatments. Some herbal products may cause side effects or interact with medicines. If symptoms continue, ask a pharmacist or GP to review your treatment rather than relying on unproven cures.
How Can You Reduce Pollen Exposure During Spring?
Avoiding pollen completely is difficult, but these practical steps may help reduce exposure:
- Check pollen and weather information, and limit time outdoors when pollen is high
- Consider alternatives to mowing on high-pollen days, or wear sunglasses and a mask
- Shower and change clothes after time outdoors
- Keep windows closed when practical on high-pollen or windy days
- Use air conditioning on recirculate if available
These steps can ease symptoms, but they cannot prevent hay fever altogether.
When Should You See a GP for Hay Fever?
A GP appointment is worth considering when hay fever is getting in the way of everyday life. Think about booking a review if:
- Symptoms affect your sleep, concentration, work or school
- Tablets or nasal sprays do not seem to help
- You are unsure whether it is hay fever, a cold or something else
- You also have wheezing or chest tightness
It helps to bring a list of what you have already tried, including tablets, sprays and eye drops, and how often you have used them. A GP can review your symptom pattern, likely triggers, current medicines and nasal spray technique.
Allergy testing and specialist referral are not needed for everyone. For persistent, difficult-to-control hay fever, a specialist may consider allergen immunotherapy, a longer-term treatment that can reduce sensitivity to specific allergens in suitable patients.
If hay fever symptoms remain troublesome despite pharmacy treatment, a general medicine appointment may be appropriate to review your symptoms and management options.
What Should Parents Know About Hay Fever in Children?
Children with hay fever may experience sneezing, a blocked nose, itchy eyes and disturbed sleep. Frequent sniffing or snoring can also have other causes. Hay fever medicines must be suitable for the child’s age, so ask a pharmacist or GP for advice. If symptoms persist or affect school, parents can discuss their concerns through our children’s health services.
Can Hay Fever Cause Wheezing or Breathing Problems?
Hay fever mostly affects the nose and eyes. Wheezing, chest tightness or breathlessness are different and should not be put down to hay fever alone, because pollen can also trigger asthma in some people, including those never diagnosed. In NSW, October to December is a higher-risk period for thunderstorm asthma. A GP can assess whether asthma may be involved.
For severe breathing difficulty, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
FAQs
How long does spring hay fever last?
Symptoms can continue while you are exposed to the trigger, so there is no fixed duration.
Can hay fever cause a cough or sore throat?
Postnasal drip may irritate the throat and contribute to coughing. Persistent cough, wheezing or breathlessness should be assessed rather than automatically attributed to hay fever.
Can hay fever make you feel tired?
A blocked nose can disturb sleep and cause daytime tiredness, although tiredness has many other causes.
Is hay fever contagious?
No. Hay fever is an allergic condition, not an infection.
Getting Help With Spring Hay Fever
If spring hay fever is affecting your sleep or daily activities, you can book a GP appointment with Clarence Town Healthcare to discuss your symptoms and treatment options.