From the reading room · 04 Nov 2025
Managing Hay Fever
By Nick Buete
The Importance of Having a Hay Fever Plan
Hay fever (also known as allergic rhinitis) might feel like just a nuisance — a few sneezes, a runny nose, itchy eyes. But in Australia, it’s far more than that. With seasonal pollen, changing weather and the possibility of asthma flare-ups, having a proper plan in place can make a big difference.
At Asthma Australia, we know hay fever isn’t just about the nose and eyes — it's about how your whole airway behaves, and how your life can be affected.
(asthma.org.au)
💡 Did you know? Hay fever and asthma often go hand-in-hand — treating one can help control the other.
Why a Hay Fever Plan Matters
1. It’s about more than just sneezing
If you’ve ever felt like you’re battling a never-ending head cold each spring, you might actually be dealing with hay fever. According to the National Asthma Council Australia and Asthma Australia, hay fever can cause:
Itchy nose or eyes
Runny or blocked nose
Sneezing
Throat clearing, coughing, snoring or mouth breathing
Disturbed sleep, fatigue or poor concentration
🌼 Tip: If symptoms last more than a few weeks each year, it’s probably not a cold — it’s hay fever.
2. Hay fever can make asthma worse
If you also have asthma, poorly managed hay fever can increase your risk of flare-ups, hospital visits, and make your breathing harder.
(nationalasthma.org.au)
⚠️ Important: During high-pollen days and storms, people with hay fever and asthma are at higher risk of thunderstorm asthma. Stay indoors and follow pollen alerts in your area.
3. A plan gives you control and confidence
Instead of waiting for symptoms to hit, a plan helps you act early, stay ahead of the season, and avoid feeling like you’re constantly reacting.
With a written plan, you and your pharmacist or GP can clearly define triggers, medications, when to act and when to seek help.
🗒️ A written plan = less guesswork. It helps you know exactly what to do when symptoms appear.
What a Good Hay Fever Plan Looks Like
Here are the key components to include in your plan, relevant for Australian patients:
✅ Identify your triggers
Common culprits: grass and tree pollens, dust-mites, mould, pet dander.
Monitor pollen forecasts in your local area, especially in spring/early summer.
Note when symptoms worsen — windy days, mowing lawns, or during storms.
🌿 Simple step: Check daily pollen forecasts (e.g. pollenforecast.com.au) and plan your day around low-pollen times.
✅ Medication strategy
Antihistamines: Great for sneezing, runny nose, itching.
Intranasal corticosteroid sprays: The best option for blocked or persistent symptoms — but must be used regularly.
Saline rinses: Help wash out pollen and soothe nasal passages.
If you have asthma: Keep your preventer and reliever inhalers up to date.
Allergen immunotherapy: For severe or ongoing allergies — ask your GP or allergist.
(asthma.org.au, allergyfacts.org.au)
💬 Pharmacist tip: Nasal sprays work best when used daily, not just when symptoms appear.
✅ Written plan + review
The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) offers a simple Allergic Rhinitis Treatment Plan — a clear, written guide you can use with your GP or pharmacist.
(allergy.org.au)
Review your plan each year, especially before spring.
Make sure it aligns with your Asthma Action Plan, if you have one.
📋 Keep your plan handy — a quick photo on your phone means it’s always available.
✅ Lifestyle & environment strategies
Stay indoors on windy, high-pollen days (especially mornings).
Close windows and use filtered air-conditioning if possible.
Change clothes and shower after outdoor activities.
Vacuum and dust with a damp cloth regularly.
Wear a mask when mowing lawns or gardening.
During thunderstorms in spring: follow official alerts.
🌦️ On stormy spring days: If you have asthma or hay fever, stay indoors until the storm passes.
Why Timing and Consistency Matter
In Australia, hay fever often peaks in spring and early summer, but for some it’s year-round.
If you wait until you feel miserable, your body’s allergic reaction has already begun.
Starting your plan before the season gives you a head start — and fewer symptoms.
🕐 Start early: Begin using your nasal spray and allergy medicine 2–3 weeks before your symptoms usually start.
A Quick Checklist for You
Have you discussed hay fever with your GP or pharmacist?
Do you know your triggers (grass, pollen, mould, dust-mites)?
Are your medicines up to date?
Have you reviewed your plan this year?
Do you check pollen and weather alerts?
Do you manage your home environment (clean, filtered air, pets, dust)?
If you have asthma, is your Asthma Action Plan current?
✅ Small steps make a big difference. Managing hay fever well can improve your sleep, focus, and even your mood.
Final Thoughts
Living with hay fever doesn’t have to mean months of misery.
With a clear plan, the right medication, trigger awareness, and smart lifestyle choices, you can stay ahead of symptoms and get back to enjoying the seasons — not just enduring them.
If you’d like help putting your plan together, talk to your local pharmacist or GP.
They can help you find the right treatments, review your nasal spray technique, and keep your asthma and hay fever under control.
💚 Your pharmacist can help: Pop in for a chat before the pollen season — a few minutes of planning now can save you weeks of discomfort later.
Disclaimer: This blog is for general information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. If you experience worsening symptoms, asthma flare-ups, or suspect a severe allergic reaction, seek medical help promptly.