Hay fever, medically known as allergic rhinitis, is a common allergy that affects the nose. In 2022, it affected around 4.6 million Australians, with almost 20% of our population experiencing hay fever symptoms.
While most people associate hay fever with spring due to high pollen counts, hay fever can actually occur year-round. When it is triggered by dust mites, mould, or even occupational allergens, it is referred to as perennial allergic rhinitis.
Certain regions have a higher trend of hay fever cases due to environmental factors like pollen counts and seasonal variation, and historically the ACT, sees particularly high rates of hay fever at 27.4%, and Tasmania is close behind at 24.1%. It’s likely that hay fever is a condition that affects yourself or a family member.
How to spot the symptoms
Hay fever manifests with symptoms that are easy to identify but can vary from person to person. These symptoms may include:
If you experience these symptoms, especially when exposed to triggers such as pollen, dust, or animal hair, it’s a good idea to consult your community pharmacist for advice or a treatment plan.
How Your pharmacist can help
Your community pharmacist can assist in identifying and managing your hay fever. They may recommend nasal sprays, eye drops, or antihistamine tablets depending on your symptoms. It’s crucial to have the right medication for your needs, as some treatments may cause drowsiness or interact with your other medicines.
For instance, antihistamine tablets may alleviate sneezing and itching, while nasal sprays can help relieve a blocked nose. However, not all medications are suitable for everyone, and some may not be safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so it’s best to check.
Preventing and managing hay fever
One of the best ways to manage hay fever is by minimising your exposure to allergens. Your community pharmacist can offer tips for avoiding triggers and advise on the appropriate timing for taking medication to reduce the severity and duration of your symptoms.
Minimising hay fever triggers
To lessen the impact of hay fever, it’s helpful to reduce your exposure to triggers, and some tips include:
By taking these precautions and seeking advice from your community pharmacist, you can manage your hay fever symptoms and prevent them from disrupting your daily life.
Your community pharmacist can do more for you
If hay fever is affecting your quality of life, your local community pharmacist can provide personalised advice and treatment options to help manage or reduce your symptoms.
Don’t let hay fever control your life—find a community pharmacy near you today.
References:
- Australian Bureau of Statistics
- Allergy.org.au
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2017). Allergic rhinitis in Australia: A snapshot. Retrieved from https://www.aihw.gov.au
- Better Health Channel. (n.d.). Hay fever (allergic rhinitis). Retrieved from https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
- National Asthma Council Australia. (n.d.). Managing allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Retrieved from https://www.nationalasthma.org.au
