In brief
An allergic reaction that happens when the immune system responds to an allergen, such as pollen, dust mites, mould or animal dander. It affects around 1 in 5 adults in Australia.
- About 4 in 5 people with asthma also have hay fever.
- See your doctor if symptoms happen at least 4 days a week for 4 weeks or more, or affect your sleep or daily activities.
- For mild or occasional symptoms, your pharmacist can advise.
How it works
Symptoms include an itchy, runny or blocked nose, itchy or watery eyes, sneezing, breathing through the mouth, needing to clear your throat and snoring. Severe hay fever can interrupt sleep and cause difficulty concentrating and headaches. Untreated hay fever may increase the risk of developing asthma or make asthma harder to control.
Avoiding known allergens can reduce symptoms. Treatments include antihistamines, which block histamine, corticosteroid nasal sprays, which reduce inflammation, salt water nasal sprays or rinses, and allergen immunotherapy, which gradually exposes you to the allergen.
Connections
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Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is linked with
Hay fever is an allergic reaction that happens when the immune system responds to an allergen.
It is common for people with eczema to also have hay fever.
Source: healthdirect Australia, Eczema
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) can worsen
- Asthma Supported
Untreated hay fever may increase the risk of developing asthma or make asthma harder to control, and about 4 in 5 people with asthma also have hay fever.
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) can cause
- Trouble sleeping Supported
Severe hay fever can interrupt sleep and make it hard to concentrate.
Medicines and supplements
General education only. Never start, stop or change a medicine without your prescriber.
Sources
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Summarised from healthdirect. Sources read on 19 October 2026. General education only, not medical advice. Spotted a mistake? Please tell us through the HuBu-Intel contact page.