Hayfever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is an allergic reaction that affects the nose and sometimes the eyes.

It occurs when the immune system reacts to airborne allergens such as pollen, dust mites, mould or animal dander.

Common symptoms include sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, itchy eyes and watery eyes. Symptoms may be seasonal or occur throughout the year.

What Causes Hayfever?

Hayfever develops when the immune system overreacts to substances that are normally harmless.

When you come into contact with an allergen, your body releases chemicals including histamine. These chemicals trigger many of the familiar allergy symptoms.

Common triggers include:

• grass pollen
• tree pollen
• weed pollen
• dust mites
• mould spores
• animal dander
• pet hair

Irritants such as cigarette smoke, perfumes, cleaning products and air pollution may also make symptoms worse.

Seasonal Hayfever

Seasonal hayfever occurs at particular times of the year.

It is commonly triggered by pollen from:

• grasses
• trees
• weeds

Symptoms may be worse during spring and summer, although pollen seasons vary depending on location and weather conditions.

Windy days can also increase the amount of pollen in the air.

Perennial Hayfever

Perennial hayfever causes symptoms throughout the year.

Common triggers include:

• dust mites
• animal dander
• mould
• indoor allergens

Symptoms may still become worse during pollen season, even if they are present year-round.

Common Symptoms

Hayfever symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Common symptoms include:

• sneezing
• runny nose
• blocked nose
• itchy nose
• itchy throat
• watery eyes
• red or itchy eyes
• coughing
• throat clearing
• reduced sense of smell
• tiredness
• headaches

Some people also experience snoring or disturbed sleep due to nasal congestion.

Hayfever or a Cold?

Hayfever and the common cold can sometimes feel similar.

Hayfever is more likely to cause:

• frequent sneezing
• itchy eyes
• itchy nose
• clear nasal discharge
• symptoms that continue while you remain exposed to the allergen

A cold is more likely to cause:

• sore throat
• body aches
• fever
• thicker nasal mucus
• symptoms that improve after several days

Hayfever does not usually cause a fever.

Hayfever and Itchy Eyes

Eye symptoms are common, particularly when pollen is the trigger.

Symptoms can include:

• itching
• redness
• watering
• swelling around the eyes

Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this may worsen irritation.

Depending on your symptoms, your pharmacist may recommend lubricating or antihistamine eye drops.

For more information about allergic eye symptoms, see our Conjunctivitis guide.

Hayfever and Asthma

Hayfever and asthma commonly occur together.

Uncontrolled nasal allergies may make asthma symptoms more difficult to manage in some people.

If you have asthma, watch for:

• increased wheezing
• coughing
• chest tightness
• shortness of breath
• increased use of reliever medication

For more information, see our Asthma guide.

Hayfever and Sinus Symptoms

Ongoing nasal congestion can sometimes contribute to pressure or discomfort around the sinuses.

Symptoms may include:

• facial pressure
• blocked nose
• reduced sense of smell
• headache
• post-nasal drip

However, sinus symptoms can have several causes.

See our Sinus guide for more information.

What Is Pollen Count?

Pollen count measures how much pollen is present in the air.

Levels can vary depending on:

• season
• weather
• wind
• rainfall
• location
• time of day

People with seasonal allergies may find pollen forecasts useful when planning outdoor activities.

For current pollen information and allergy advice, see the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy.

How Is Hayfever Diagnosed?

Many cases can be diagnosed based on symptoms and when they occur.

Your doctor or pharmacist may ask about:

• your symptoms
• when they occur
• possible triggers
• your work and home environments
• pets
• family history of allergies
• other conditions such as asthma or eczema

If the cause is unclear or symptoms are severe, allergy testing may sometimes be recommended.

Allergy Testing

Testing may include:

• skin prick testing
• blood tests for specific allergens

Skin prick testing involves placing a small amount of allergen on the skin and gently pricking the area.

A reaction may suggest sensitivity to that allergen.

Testing should be interpreted alongside your symptoms and medical history.

Hayfever Treatment

Treatment depends on which symptoms are most troublesome and how severe they are.

Options may include:

• antihistamine tablets or liquids
• corticosteroid nasal sprays
• antihistamine nasal sprays
• saline nasal sprays or rinses
• antihistamine eye drops
• other allergy medicines

Your pharmacist can help you choose the most appropriate treatment.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines block the effects of histamine.

They can help relieve symptoms such as:

• sneezing
• runny nose
• itching
• watery eyes

Some antihistamines can cause drowsiness, while others are less likely to do so.

Ask your pharmacist which option is most appropriate, particularly if you need to drive, work with machinery or take other medicines.

Corticosteroid Nasal Sprays

Corticosteroid nasal sprays are often particularly effective for persistent or moderate-to-severe nasal symptoms.

They can help reduce:

• congestion
• sneezing
• runny nose
• nasal inflammation

Unlike some antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids may take several days of regular use to reach their full effect.

Using the spray correctly is important.

Your pharmacist can demonstrate the proper technique.

Saline Nasal Sprays and Rinses

Saline products can help wash allergens and mucus from the nasal passages.

They may provide relief from:

• congestion
• dryness
• irritation

Saline can often be used alongside other hayfever treatments.

If using a nasal rinse device, follow the product instructions carefully.

Combination Treatment

One medicine may not always control every symptom.

For example, a person with nasal congestion and itchy eyes may require different products for each problem.

Your pharmacist may recommend a combination of treatments, such as:

• a corticosteroid nasal spray
• an antihistamine
• saline nasal spray
• eye drops

Avoid combining products unnecessarily, as some may contain similar active ingredients.

How to Reduce Exposure to Pollen

If pollen triggers your symptoms, you may be able to reduce exposure by:

• checking pollen forecasts
• keeping windows closed when pollen levels are high
• avoiding mowing lawns where possible
• wearing sunglasses outdoors
• showering after spending time outside
• washing your hair before bed after high pollen exposure
• changing clothes after outdoor activities
• avoiding drying clothes outdoors on very high pollen days

You do not need to avoid outdoor activity completely, but planning around high-pollen periods may help.

Reducing Indoor Allergens

If your symptoms occur throughout the year, reducing indoor allergens may help.

Possible measures include:

• washing bedding regularly
• reducing dust accumulation
• vacuuming frequently
• controlling mould and dampness
• keeping pets out of bedrooms if animal dander is a trigger
• using suitable allergen covers for mattresses and pillows where appropriate

It may not be possible to remove every allergen completely.

Hayfever and Children

Children can also develop hayfever.

Symptoms may affect:

• sleep
• concentration
• school performance
• sport
• general wellbeing

Not every allergy medicine is suitable for children, and doses vary according to age.

Speak with your pharmacist or doctor before giving a child a new hayfever medicine.

Hayfever During Pregnancy

Some allergy treatments can be used during pregnancy, but not every product is appropriate.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your pharmacist, GP or maternity healthcare professional before starting treatment.

Non-medicine measures such as saline nasal sprays and reducing allergen exposure may also help.

Can Hayfever Cause Hives?

Hayfever and hives are both allergic conditions, but they affect the body differently.

Hives cause raised, itchy welts on the skin.

People who have allergic conditions may experience more than one type of allergy.

For more information, see our Hives guide.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Speak with a doctor if:

• symptoms are severe
• over-the-counter treatment is not working
• symptoms regularly interfere with sleep
• symptoms significantly affect work or school
• you are unsure what is causing the symptoms
• asthma symptoms are becoming worse
• sinus symptoms persist
• symptoms occur throughout the year and are difficult to control

A doctor may recommend further investigation or referral to an allergy specialist.

When Is It an Emergency?

Hayfever itself is usually not dangerous.

However, call 000 if someone develops signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as:

• difficulty breathing
• swelling of the tongue or throat
• wheezing or persistent coughing
• dizziness
• collapse

These symptoms may indicate anaphylaxis rather than ordinary hayfever.

Speak With Your Pharmacist

Your MediAdvice pharmacist can help you identify the symptoms that are causing the most difficulty and recommend appropriate treatment.

They can advise about:

• antihistamines
• nasal sprays
• eye drops
• saline products
• combination treatment
• correct nasal spray technique
• allergy treatment for children

They can also recommend medical assessment if your symptoms are severe, persistent or difficult to control.

General advice only: This information is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. If symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, seek professional medical advice.