How to cope with hayfever symptoms at work

How to cope with hay fever symptoms at work

How to cope with hayfever symptoms at work

Hay fever symptoms can be challenging, especially at work.1 Here are some ways to manage hay fever allergies in the workplace.

Symptoms such as runny nose, watery eyes, and loss of sleep due to hay fever can leave you feeling miserable and affect your ability perform at work.1,2

Physical and mental performance can be significantly impacted by allergy symptoms such as:3,4

  • Loss of concentration and focus
  • Difficulty remembering things
  • Decreased ability to make decisions
  • Reduced hand-eye coordination
  • Irritability or fatigue due to loss of sleep

People with troublesome allergy symptoms may feel unproductive at work or may need to take sick days when symptoms are severe.4

Managing allergies in the workplace

Allergy experts recommend managing allergy symptoms in the workplace in three ways.5

3 key steps to managing allergies at work.5

Managing allergies in the workplace

See your doctor for an accurate allergy diagnosis

The first step in managing allergies is to find out what you are allergic to.5 Even if you think you know what your hay fever trigger is, it is possible that you are allergic to more than one thing.6

The only way to know for sure is to see your health professional for a diagnosis.3,6 If your hay fever symptoms are affecting your ability to perform at work, your doctor can refer you to an allergy specialist for allergy testing.7

Manage environmental triggers in the workplace

One of the best ways to manage hay fever is to avoid exposure to the allergens that trigger symptoms.7 While this may be easier to do at home than at work, there are practical ways to minimise allergens in the workplace.

Talk to your colleagues about minimising allergens at work

Pollen at work

  • Ask colleagues if you can keep windows closed on windy days or when pollen counts are high.8 Use a pollen forecast website or a pollen count app to track pollen counts.

Dust mites at work

  • Talk to your office manager about having air conditioning filters cleaned regularly, regular vacuuming and dusting, and keeping humidity in the office low.8,9

Moulds at work

  • Any visible mould should be removed with bleach or an appropriate mould cleaner. Good ventilation and removal of indoor pot plants will help prevent future mould growth.8

Pet dander at work

  • A portable HEPA filter can help remove pet dander. Pet dander can be carried into the office on people’s clothing or if pets are allowed in the workplace.5,8,10

Ask your doctor about effective medication

It can be helpful to keep allergy eye drops or antihistamine nasal spray on hand or in your desk at work for when hay fever symptoms flare up.7,10

If you still experience workplace allergies despite using pharmacy medicines and allergen avoidance strategies, speak to your doctor about other management options.10

Find the right treatment for your hay fever symptoms

If you think you have hay fever, it can be helpful to keep a symptom diary and discuss appropriate treatment options with your doctor to make sure your hay fever doesn’t impact your quality of life.

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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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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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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. Szeinbach SL et al. Primary Care Resp J 2007;16(2):98–105.
  2. Cleveland Clinic. Allergic Rhinitis. Available at: ASCIA_PC_FAST_FACTS_Allergic_Rhinitis_2023.pdf (allergy.org.au) Accessed: May 2023.
  3. American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI). Available at: https://acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/hay-fever/. Accessed: May  2023.
  4. de la Hoz Caballer B et al. Am J Rhinol Allerg 2012;26:390–94.
  5. WebMD. Managing Allergies at Work. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/allergies/features/allergies-at-work. Accessed: May  2023.
  6. MSD Manual Consumer Version. Seasonal Allergies. Available at: https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-au/home/immune-disorders/allergic-reactions-and-other-hypersensitivity-disorders/seasonal-allergies?query=seasonal%20allergies. Accessed: May  2023.
  7. Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA). Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever). Available at: ASCIA_PC_FAST_FACTS_Allergic_Rhinitis_2023.pdf (allergy.org.au) Accessed: May 2023.
  8. Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA). Allergen Minimisation. Available at: https://www.allergy.org.au/images/pc/ASCIA_PC_Allergen_Minimisation_2024.pdf Accessed: May 2023.
  9. Wilson JM et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract 2018;6(1):1–7.
  10. Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA). Allergic Rhinitis Clinical Update. Available at: https://www.allergy.org.au/images/stories/pospapers/ar/ASCIA_HP_Allergic_Rhinitis_2022.pdf Accessed: May 2023.