Seasonal Allergies (Hay Fever) Explained: Causes, Treatment & When to See a Specialist”
A review article summarising the latest insights on hay fever, its triggers, and evidence-based management options from Mayo Clinic, Medline, and other reputable medical sources.
Understand what triggers seasonal allergies (hay fever), how to relieve symptoms, and when you need specialist care.
What are seasonal allergies (hay fever)?
Seasonal allergies, also called allergic rhinitis, occur when the immune system responds to harmless outdoor (and sometimes indoor) allergens such as pollen, mold spores, grass or tree-pollens.
Unlike a viral cold, seasonal allergies are not caused by an infection.
Typical symptoms include runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, sinus pressure.
What triggers them and why do they occur?
The immune system creates antibodies (IgE) to an otherwise harmless allergen; when exposed, these trigger release of histamine and other chemicals causing symptoms.
Common triggers: tree pollen in spring, grass pollen in early summer, weed pollen (e.g., ragweed) in late summer/fall.
Indoor triggers: dust mites, mold spores, pet dander — especially if the person is sensitised to those.
Critical note: The timing of “season” varies widely by regional climate (e.g., Melbourne vs US) and climate change is altering pollen seasons, so generic advice may mislead some readers.
How are seasonal allergies diagnosed?
Clinical history (pattern of symptoms, trigger exposures) is the starting point.
Possible tests: skin-prick testing, specific IgE blood tests.
Caveat: Test results must be interpreted in the full context — sensitisation (positive test) doesn’t always equal clinical allergy (symptoms on exposure).
Tip for your practice page: Recommend referring to an allergist or immunologist if symptoms persist or worsen.
Treatment and management strategies
Avoidance: Reduce exposure to known triggers (e.g., monitoring pollen counts, keeping windows closed during high pollen days).
Medications: Over-the-counter and prescription antihistamines, nasal corticosteroid sprays, decongestants, eye drops.
Immunotherapy: For persistent or severe cases, allergy shots (subcutaneous) or sublingual tablets to desensitise.
Lifestyle/home remedies: Use HEPA filters, keep indoor humidity low, avoid carpets where dust mites accumulate, flush sinuses with saline.
Critical note: Many patients rely solely on avoidance + antihistamines but fail to engage specialist evaluation or immunotherapy when appropriate — delaying improved quality of life.
When to see a specialist & red flags
If symptoms are poorly controlled despite standard treatment.
If there are complications (e.g., recurrent sinus infections, asthma exacerbations, suspected anaphylaxis).
If you require immunotherapy or have suspected complex allergies (e.g., multiple triggers, co-morbid asthma).
Red flags include: breathing difficulty, swelling of face/throat/lips, hives, shock — possible anaphylaxis.
Take-away and actionable checklist
Check pollen forecasts for your region (Melbourne-specific — you could link an Australian pollen forecast).
Keep an “allergy diary” to correlate symptoms with exposures.
Review your medication regimen each season.
Before entering the allergy season, consider pre-emptive treatment (e.g., starting nasal steroid spray 1–2 weeks before peak).
If you’re still symptomatic: book consult with an allergist for further testing and possible immunotherapy.
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