Spring Hay Fever Symptoms & Relief
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Hay fever symptoms ramping up with the spring pollen count? Learn how to tell it apart from a cold, ease symptoms at home, and know when it's time to see your GP.
Hay fever, medically known as allergic rhinitis, is an allergic reaction to airborne pollen that causes itchy eyes, sneezing, and a blocked or runny nose. It affects around one in five Australians and tends to flare up through spring as pollen counts rise. Most cases can be managed well with a mix of home strategies and, when needed, a GP-guided treatment plan.
Why does hay fever flare up in spring in the Shire?
Spring brings warmer days, more time outdoors, and a lot more pollen in the air, particularly from grasses and trees that flower through September and October. For people whose immune system reacts to pollen, this triggers the inflammation in the nose and eyes that causes classic hay fever symptoms. Living near bushland or open grassed areas, common across the Sutherland Shire, can mean higher day-to-day pollen exposure during these months.
What are the signs of hay fever?
The most common symptoms include: Itchy, watery eyes Frequent sneezing that doesn't ease up A blocked or runny nose that can feel like an ongoing cold An itchy or scratchy throat Tiredness, from disrupted sleep or the effort of breathing through a blocked nose
How can you tell hay fever apart from a cold?
How can you ease hay fever symptoms at home?
Keep windows closed on windy, high-pollen days, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. Shower and change clothes after time outdoors to rinse off pollen before it settles in for the evening. Check the daily pollen count before planning sport, gardening, or a beach walk. Wear sunglasses outdoors to help protect eyes from airborne pollen. Try an over-the-counter antihistamine if symptoms are mild and occasional.
When should you see a GP about hay fever?
If symptoms are dragging on for weeks, disrupting sleep or work, or not responding to chemist treatments, it's worth booking in. A GP can talk through options that go beyond standard antihistamines, including nasal sprays and longer-term management plans, and can check whether something else, like a sinus issue, might be contributing. FMP's general services cover this kind of consultation at all three clinics, with same-day appointments available six days a week at our Kirrawee clinic, weekday appointments at Woolooware, and appointments at Kurnell.
FAQs
Can hay fever turn into a sinus infection?
Ongoing nasal inflammation from hay fever can sometimes make sinus infections more likely. If you develop facial pain, pressure, or thick discoloured discharge, it may be worth a GP review.
Is hay fever the same as a dust or pet allergy?
No. Hay fever is triggered specifically by pollen, while dust mite and pet allergies come from different allergens. Symptoms can look similar and some people react to more than one trigger.
Can children get hay fever?
Yes. Hay fever is common in children and can affect concentration at school and quality of sleep. A GP can help work out what may be suitable for a child's age and symptoms.
Do antihistamines stop working over time?
Some people find a particular antihistamine feels less effective after continued use, though this varies from person to person. A GP can discuss alternatives if this happens.
This article is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice. Please speak with your GP before making any changes to your health care.
