Hay Fever: Medicinal Myths and Other Health Hazards

If you’ve ever experienced the relentless sneezing, itchy eyes, and stuffy nose that come with hay fever, you know it can be a real drag. And if you’re like many people, you’ve probably heard all sorts of advice and information about how to handle it; some of it might be helpful, some of it, not so much. But what should you believe? 

Before we dive into that, let’s take a look at what hay fever actually is. Hay fever—or allergic rhinitis to get technical—doesn’t have anything to do with hay and doesn’t cause a fever, contrary to early 19th century beliefs when it was assumed that freshly cut hay was causing the problem. Today we know that when some individuals (4.6 million Australians according to the National Health Survey) encounter pollen of certain kinds, their immune system overreacts, treating the pollen a bit like it would a virus. This triggers the body to respond with all the familiar hay fever symptoms. 

Now we’ve bust the old myth that got the ailment its name, let’s clear up seven modern myths about hay fever with some expert advice from our IPA community pharmacists. 

Myth 1: Hay fever only happens in the spring 

One of the biggest misconceptions out there is that hay fever only strikes in spring when everything’s blooming. Sure, spring is a prime time for hay fever because of all the tree pollen in the air. But don’t be fooled—hay fever can hit you at different times of the year too. Grass pollen often takes over in late spring and summer, but pollination times vary with location and plant variety. 

And let’s not forget indoor allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and mould, which can cause symptoms year-round. Knowing your specific triggers can make a big difference in managing your hay fever. 

Myth 2: Moving somewhere else will cure your hay fever 

Ever thought about packing up and moving to a different location to escape hay fever? It sounds tempting, but unfortunately, it’s not a foolproof solution. While some places might have lower levels of certain allergens, you’ll likely run into new allergens wherever you go. Instead of moving, consult with your IPA Pharmacist to create a personalised treatment plan that effectively alleviates your allergy symptoms, setting you on the path to better management. It’s a lot easier (and cheaper) than relocating! 

Myth 3: Over-the-counter medicines don’t work 

There’s a common belief that over-the-counter (OTC) hay fever meds are just not as effective as prescription ones. But the truth is, many OTC options can be incredibly effective. The newer antihistamines can work wonders without making you drowsy, and OTC steroid nasal sprays can help reduce inflammation and congestion. There are hay fever medicines specially made for children too. The key is to use these medications as directed and chat with your pharmacist if you’re unsure about anything. 

Myth 4: Hay fever is just a minor inconvenience 

A lot of people think hay fever is no big deal—just an annoying little problem. But if you suffer from hay fever, you know how much it can mess with your daily life. Constant sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose can really get in the way of work, school, and sleep. Plus, if you leave hay fever untreated, it can lead to bigger issues like frequent sinus infections. It can even worsen asthma. So, taking it seriously and finding the right treatment is crucial for your well-being. 

Myth 5: Natural remedies are always better 

With the rise of natural and holistic treatments, you might be tempted to ditch conventional medicine for natural remedies. While some natural supplements might help, they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution and frequently won’t fully control your hay fever symptoms. However, saline nasal sprays can help clear nasal congestion and wash away allergens like dust and pollen and may help relieve or reduce mild hay fever symptoms.  But just because something is natural doesn’t always mean it’s safe. Some herbal supplements can interact with your medications, or cause side effects. Always check with your IPA pharmacist before starting any new treatment, natural or otherwise. 

Myth 6: You’ll outgrow hay fever 

Some parents think hay fever is something their kids will just grow out of. While it’s true that symptoms might decrease over time in some cases, many people continue to deal with hay fever well into adulthood. In fact, you can even develop hay fever for the first time as an adult. So, don’t wait for it to go away on its own—keep managing those symptoms! 

Myth 7: All hay fever treatments are the same 

Here’s the thing: not all hay fever treatments work the same for everyone. Your body might respond differently to various medicines, and what works wonders for your friend, might not do much for you. That’s why advice from family, friends, and colleagues might not give you the right answers. And finding the right combo of treatments can take some trial and error. Your IPA pharmacist can help you navigate the options and tweak your treatment plan until you find what works best. 

What to do 

There are some changes you can make, such as getting rid of carpeting in your home and replacing it with tiles or wooden floorboards if your hay fever is year-round and is caused by dust mites or pet dander. Closing your windows on windy days will reduce the amount of pollens that blow inside, and dusting with a damp cloth will pick up allergens rather than just shifting them. 

We hope that busting these myths has given you some knowledge to help you manage your symptoms better. Ultimately, the best solution is to visit your local IPA pharmacy and get help with a personalised plan. Your IPA pharmacist loves to solve this sort of problem, and they’re here to help you find the best solution and get you back to feeling your best.  

Who are IPA Pharmacists?  

IPA Pharmacists are part of Australia’s largest network of independent pharmacies. They offer personalised healthcare and expertise in medicines. They specialise in various health aspects, such as sleep and diabetes, and are dedicated to supporting your wellness journey. With a network of over 1,100 pharmacies and growing, an IPA Pharmacy near you is ready to provide exceptional advice, services, and products to enhance your health outcomes.   

References:  

Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) – symptoms, treatments and causes | healthdirect  

Sinusitis and allergy – Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA)  

Hay fever – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic 

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