Hay fever season in Balwyn usually arrives with spring. In Victoria, grass pollen season usually runs from 1 October to 31 December. For many people, that means itchy eyes, a stuffy nose and broken sleep. With these symptoms, it can make work, study and weekends harder. 

This guide covers common hay fever symptoms and treatment options. It also explains when it’s time to see your GP at Balwyn Central Medical.

What Is Hay Fever, and Who Does It Affect?

Hay fever is the everyday name for allergic rhinitis. It’s an allergy that affects your nose and eyes. Despite the name, it is actually not caused by hay and doesn’t cause a fever.

It’s also very common. ASCIA, the peak body for allergy specialists, says allergic rhinitis affects around 18% of people in Australia and New Zealand.

What Are the Common Hay Fever Symptoms?

Hay fever symptoms can range from mild to severe, and they often show up together. These allergy symptoms include:

• Sneezing — sometimes in long runs, especially when you’re outdoors.
• A runny, itchy or blocked nose — it can feel like a cold that never quite goes away.
• Itchy or watery eyes — they may also look red and feel irritated.

Hay fever doesn’t cause a fever, so a high temperature usually points to something else, like a cold or flu.

However, it’s worth taking hay fever seriously, too. When it’s left untreated, ASCIA notes it can disturb your sleep and leave you tired during the day. It can also make sinus infections more likely.

What Makes Hay Fever Season in Melbourne So Challenging?

In south-east Australia, spring hay fever is often triggered by grass pollen. The wind picks up these tiny grains and carries them over long distances. To see what’s in the air each day, you can check the pollen count and forecast through Melbourne Pollen. 

Grass pollen season also brings a small chance of thunderstorm asthma. This can happen when a lot of grass pollen meets a certain type of thunderstorm. People with spring hay fever are at risk, and so are people who have asthma but haven’t been diagnosed. 

So if you notice wheezing or shortness of breath, don’t ignore it. Check in with your GP.

What Are Your Hay Fever Treatment Options?

A pharmacist or doctor can recommend hay fever treatment. The right choice depends on your symptoms, your health history and any other medicines you take. Your GP or pharmacist can also explain how and when to use them.

Common options include:

• Antihistamines — these may help with sneezing, itching and a runny nose.
• Nasal sprays — some are saltwater-based, and others are medicated.
• Reducing your exposure — if you know your trigger, avoiding it where you can may ease symptoms.

Keep in mind that hay fever medication may help reduce symptoms but can’t cure hay fever. Results also vary between people with these treatment options. 

If your symptoms are severe, ASCIA says an allergy specialist may need to do further assessment and allergy testing.

When Should You See Your GP About Hay Fever?

Some people only need a quick chat with their pharmacist, while others need more support. Hay fever looks different for everyone, so you don’t need to wait until symptoms feel unbearable. It’s worth booking a GP appointment if:

• Your symptoms are ongoing and affect your day-to-day life.
• Treatments from the pharmacy aren’t giving you enough relief.
• Hay fever is disturbing your sleep or leaving you worn out.
• You keep getting sinus infections.
• You’re not sure if it’s hay fever, a cold or something else.
• You have wheezing, a tight chest or a cough that won’t settle.
• You have asthma and want to talk about your asthma plan before or during grass pollen season.

It also helps to raise asthma and hay fever together. ASCIA says that for people with asthma, better control of hay fever often helps asthma control.

At your appointment, your GP can ask about your symptoms and likely triggers. From there, they can talk through your options and explain what to do if things change. They can also discuss whether allergy testing or a specialist referral makes sense for you.

If you’re experiencing a medical emergency, call 000. That includes severe difficulty breathing or signs of a severe allergic reaction.

You Don’t Have to Push Through Hay Fever Season Alone

Hay fever season can bring sneezing, itchy eyes and poor sleep, especially when asthma is part of the picture. Knowing the symptoms, treatment options and signs it’s time to get help can make the season feel more manageable.

If you’re looking for a hay fever GP in Balwyn, our team at Balwyn Central Medical is here to help. We’ll listen, talk through your options and guide you on the next step. Fees apply, so check current rates for treatments.

Book your appointment online or call (03) 9830 2300 when you’re ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hay Fever the Same as a Cold?

No, but they can feel alike. Both can cause sneezing and a runny or blocked nose. However, hay fever doesn’t cause a fever, and it often brings itchy, watery eyes. It can also last for weeks while the pollen is around. If you’re unsure which one you have, your GP can help work it out.

How Long Does Hay Fever Season Last in Victoria?

Grass pollen season in Victoria usually runs from 1 October to 31 December. That said, some people have symptoms outside those months, depending on what they’re allergic to. 

If your symptoms don’t follow a clear pattern, tell your GP, as this can help point to likely triggers.

Can Hay Fever Affect Asthma?

Yes, the two are closely linked. ASCIA explains that untreated allergic rhinitis can make asthma harder to control, and pollen can also trigger asthma symptoms in some people. 

If you have both, ask your GP about your asthma action plan and how to manage hay fever alongside it.

Do I Need an Allergy Test for Hay Fever?

Not always. Healthdirect says a doctor can diagnose hay fever from your symptoms and when they happen, and testing may be considered alongside your history. For severe hay fever, an allergy specialist may do further assessment. 

Your GP can explain whether testing is likely to help in your situation.

Can Hay Fever Be Cured?

Hay fever medication can reduce symptoms, but it can’t cure hay fever. Healthdirect and ASCIA both make this point. Managing hay fever can include medication, avoiding triggers and regular check-ins with your GP. Results vary between people, so it’s worth talking through what suits you.

The information in this article is general in nature and isn’t a substitute for personalised medical advice. If you’re concerned about your health, book an appointment with your GP at Balwyn Central Medical or call (03) 9830 2300.