Spring brings blossom, birdsong and, for many Australians, a familiar tickle in the nose. Hay fever is often thought of as a young person's complaint, yet plenty of people first notice it, or notice it worsening, later in life. If September has you reaching for the tissues, here is a plain guide to what is happening and how to stay comfortable through the season.
Why spring stirs things up
Hay fever, known medically as allergic rhinitis, happens when the immune system reacts to particles in the air, most commonly grass and tree pollens. In much of Australia the pollen season runs through spring and into early summer, with windy days often the worst offenders. The result can be sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, itchy eyes and that heavy, foggy feeling that makes the whole day harder work than it should be.
How it can feel different later in life
After 60, hay fever has a few extra wrinkles worth knowing about. Symptoms are easily mistaken for a lingering cold, so a pattern that returns each spring is a useful clue. A blocked nose can also disturb sleep, which affects energy and concentration during the day. And because many older Australians already take regular medicines, it matters that some hay fever products, particularly older style sedating antihistamines, may cause drowsiness or interact with other prescriptions. This does not mean you must simply put up with symptoms; it means the choice of remedy deserves a little more care.
Simple ways to reduce exposure
A few practical habits can take the edge off the season. Checking the local pollen forecast helps you plan outdoor jobs for lower pollen days, and mornings after rain are often clearer. On high pollen days, keeping windows closed at home and in the car, wearing wraparound sunglasses outdoors, and showering after time in the garden all reduce the amount of pollen you carry with you. If mowing sets you off, it may be the moment to delegate that job to a family member who owes you a favour.
Your pharmacist is a great first stop
Community pharmacists deal with hay fever every day of spring and are well placed to help you choose a product that suits your other medicines and any health conditions. Newer non sedating antihistamines, saline rinses and certain nasal sprays are commonly suggested options, and professional pharmacy guidance notes that regular use of the right nasal spray often works better than occasional use once symptoms flare. Bring your medicines list with you and ask what fits your situation; it is a five minute conversation that can save weeks of discomfort.
When to see your GP
If symptoms drag on, disturb your sleep most nights, or do not settle with pharmacy treatment, a visit to your GP is worthwhile. The same is true if you notice wheezing or chest tightness, since hay fever and asthma are close cousins, and people with both need a plan for spring, including awareness of thunderstorm asthma events in some parts of Australia. Your GP can also check that nothing else is behind a persistently blocked nose and can refer you for allergy testing if it would change the plan.
At home, a few extra touches help through the peak weeks. Drying washing indoors or in the dryer on high pollen days keeps sheets and shirts from becoming pollen traps, and a damp dust and regular vacuum keep what does come inside from settling in. Some people find symptoms worse in the evening, as pollen that rose during the warm day settles back down as the air cools, so closing bedroom windows in the late afternoon can make for a more comfortable night. Small habits, added together, often do as much as any single remedy.
Hay fever is common, manageable and no reason to hide indoors while the garden is at its best. With a few sensible habits and the right advice, you can meet spring on your own terms, tissues optional.
Important Note
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for personal medical advice. Please speak with your GP or another qualified health professional about your own situation.