Understanding Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies (hay fever / allergic rhinitis) are triggered by pollen from grasses, trees and weeds. When pollen levels are high, the immune system overreacts — causing sneezing, runny or blocked nose, itchy eyes, and fatigue. In Australia, grass pollen season peaks October–December; tree pollen varies by region.

Medication — Most to Least Effective

  1. 1

    Nasal corticosteroid sprays (most effective)

    Available over the counter: Nasonex Allergy (mometasone), Flonase/Avamys (fluticasone), Rhinocort (budesonide). These reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and are the most evidence-based treatment for hay fever. They take 1–2 weeks to reach full effect so start 2 weeks before your season begins. Use daily, not just on bad days.

  2. 2

    Non-drowsy antihistamines (fast-acting symptom relief)

    Second-generation antihistamines: cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claratyne), fexofenadine (Telfast). Take daily during allergy season. They work quickly (within 30–60 minutes) and last 12–24 hours. Non-drowsy formulations are preferred — older antihistamines (chlorpheniramine, promethazine) cause significant sedation.

  3. 3

    Eye drops for itchy eyes

    Antihistamine eye drops (Zaditen, Patanol) provide quick relief for allergic conjunctivitis. Lubricating eye drops (artificial tears) also help by washing out pollen. Cool compresses over closed eyes reduce itching and swelling.

  4. 4

    Decongestants for blocked nose

    Short-term only — pseudoephedrine (available behind pharmacy counter) or oxymetazoline nasal spray (Drixine) provide fast relief. Do not use nasal decongestant sprays for more than 3 days — rebound congestion (rhinitis medicamentosa) makes symptoms worse when stopped.

Practical Strategies to Reduce Exposure

  • Check the pollen forecast (AirRater app in Australia is excellent) and limit outdoor time on high pollen days
  • Keep windows and doors closed during peak pollen hours (early morning, and on windy days)
  • Shower and change clothes after being outdoors to remove pollen
  • Wear wraparound sunglasses when outside — they reduce pollen contact with eyes significantly
  • Dry clothes indoors during pollen season — clothes dried outside accumulate pollen
  • Rinse nasal passages with saline spray or a neti pot — physically removes pollen from nasal passages
Immunotherapy (long-term solution)Allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual drops/tablets) desensitises the immune system to specific allergens over 3–5 years. It is the only treatment that addresses the underlying cause rather than just symptoms. Ask an allergist if this is appropriate for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Key differences: Allergies produce clear, watery nasal discharge and itchy eyes — colds produce thicker, coloured mucus without itchy eyes. Allergies do not cause fever — colds often do. Allergy symptoms persist for weeks throughout the season; a cold resolves in 7–10 days. Allergies often respond quickly to antihistamines; colds do not.
If over-the-counter treatments are not controlling your symptoms adequately, your sleep is severely disrupted, you develop asthma symptoms (wheezing, chest tightness), or you want to explore immunotherapy. An allergist can also confirm exactly what you are allergic to through skin prick or blood tests, which guides treatment more precisely.