Springtime hay fever and asthma: how to manage seasonal allergies

Springtime in Australia brings warmth, blossoms, and longer days—but also the peak of pollen season. For millions of Australians, this means the onset of hay fever and allergy-induced asthma.

What are the common symptoms of hay fever and asthma? Credit: Milshot/Getty Images

Key Points

• Hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) occurs when the immune system reacts to pollen, particularly from grasses, irritating the nose and eyes.
• Asthma can be triggered when fragments of pollen enter the lungs, leading to coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
• One in four Australians experience hay fever, while about 10 per cent live with asthma—making respiratory allergies the nation’s most common allergic condition.
• GPs and pharmacists can provide advice on treatments and medications to relieve and prevent symptoms.

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