What are the symptoms

What are the symptoms of hay fever?

What are the symptoms

Hay fever can have an impact on your day-to-day life and wellbeing. Learn more about hay fever symptoms so you can seek the right treatment.

Common hay fever symptoms

Hay fever is an allergic reaction that mainly affects the lining of the nose. When you breathe in airborne allergens, your immune system may overreact and cause the inside of your nose to become inflamed, swollen and reactive. This can cause hay fever symptoms.1,2

The most common symptoms of hay fever include:1,2

Runny and itchy nose

Blocked or
congested nose

Sneezing

Red, itchy and
watery eyes

The symptoms of hay fever affect the nose, eyes, throat and mouth and can make you feel like you have a head cold.2

Other symptoms of hay fever

In addition to common nasal symptoms, hay fever may cause discomfort and other unpleasant symptoms including:2-4

Itchy throat or
roof of mouth

Always needing to
clear your throat

Swollen skin
under eyes

Frequent headaches

Reduced
sense of smell

Tiredness or fatigue

Busting common myths about hay fever

  • You do not need to experience every hay fever symptom to have hay fever. You may develop just one or a few symptoms.1
  • Despite the name, fever is not one of the symptoms of hay fever.2
  • Hay fever is not just a spring-time concern. Depending on where you live and what your triggers are, hay fever symptoms can persist year-round.6
  • Hay fever symptoms do not usually resolve on their own. They can persist for as long as you are exposed to the allergens, so it is important to seek the right treatment5.

Hay fever treatments are available. Learn more.

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Hay fever symptoms are controllable. Find the right treatment for you by answering a few questions.

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Pollen Allergy: How do I know when my hay fever trigger is in season?

If you have pollen allergy, you can develop hay fever symptoms at specific times of the year. Find out what types of pollen may trigger your symptoms, when they typically peak in your area and the steps you can take.

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What causes hay fever?

Several factors can trigger hay fever symptoms or make them worse. Knowing your triggers can help you manage them better.

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Do you have hay fever or a cold?

Hay fever and a cold can feel the same and have similar symptoms. Find out what makes them very different.

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How to stop a runny nose caused by hay fever

A constantly runny nose due to hay fever can be a problem.1,2 The good news is that several treatment options can help.1

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References

  1. Asthma Australia. Asthma and hay fever. Available at: https://asthma.org.au/triggers/hay-fever-and-pollen/ Accessed: September 2023.
  2. Health Direct. Hay fever (allergic rhinitis). Available at: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hay-fever#symptoms Accessed: September 2023.
  3. American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Hay fever. Available at: https://acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/hay-fever/ Accessed: September 2023.
  4. Mayo Clinic. Hay fever. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hay-fever/symptoms-causes/syc-20373039 Accessed: September 2023.
  5. News in Health (NIH). Cold, flu, or allergy? Know the difference for best treatment. Available from: https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2014/10/cold-flu-or-allergy Accessed: September 2023.
  6. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Rhinitis (nasal allergies). Available at: https://aafa.org/allergies/allergy-symptoms/rhinitis-nasal-allergy-hayfever/ Accessed: September 2023.