Hay fever affects 1 in 7 Aussies, making it one of the most common chronic respiratory conditions in Australia. Hay fever symptoms vary from person to person but if left untreated can impact on your sleep, mental function and social activities. There are a range of hay fever treatments available that can provide relief specific to your symptoms.
6 Common Allergens
Understanding what your triggers are is very important. This can help you either avoid the triggers or take precautionary measures to minimise your symptoms. Below are 6 of the most common causes of hay fever. If you are unsure, you can ask your doctor for an allergy test.
- House dust – including house dust mites, hair, smoke, dirt, fibres, mould spores, pollen grains, insects, skin or hair,
- Pets particularly cats and dogs
- Pollens, commonly universally distributed grasses, flowering plants, trees
- Fungi e.g. moulds and yeast
- Pollutants including natural (e.g. vegetation, dust storms) and human caused (e.g. industrial premises and road vehicles
- Occupational exposures including latex, chlorine (bleaching, disinfectants, water purification, swimming pool treatments), formaldehyde (manufacture of resins, plastics, adhesives, paints, finisher for fabrics, sterilising agent in medicine), isocyanates (manufacture foam, fibres, coatings such as paints and varnishes, elastomers), acid anhydrides (adhesives, coatings, fabric treatments, sealants, dental and surgical appliances
Hay Fever Symptoms
Many people experience one or more hay fever symptoms at varying degrees of severity. In some cases the symptoms are so debilitating that it impacts they’re daily activities. Symptoms include nasal itch, sneeze, rhinorrhoea (runny nose), nasal congestion, ocular irritation and allergic conjunctivitis.
Hay fever treatments
There are different forms of medications depending on what symptom/s you are experiencing. For example if you have itchy eyes, you might consider just using antihistamine eye drops; if you have nasal symptoms you might consider using a nasal spray; or if you experience multiple symptoms you might consider a tablet or liquid. If unsure, speak to your doctor or pharmacist about which might suit you best. Below is a table listing a few brands and their method of administration, the different formulations and availability of kids range.
Recommended Products
Hay fever symptoms can easily be managed by hay fever medications. There is no need to lock yourself up at home during spring to avoid pollen, or wear a mask to avoid pollution, or even deny yourself a pet. The most important thing is to know what triggers your allergies so you can prepare yourself in advance.
More information
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare: Allergic rhinitis (‘hay fever’) in Australia, November 2011
http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=10737420595