Hay fever (allergic rhinitis)

Hay fever is an allergic reaction affecting the nose, often with itchy or watery eyes. Clinicians also call it allergic rhinitis. It can occur with seasonal pollen exposure or with triggers present throughout the year. Despite the everyday name, hay fever does not itself cause a fever. Healthdirect Australia: Hay fever

Look beyond the label

A runny nose does not automatically mean allergy. Explain whether itching and sneezing are prominent, when symptoms occur and whether you also feel generally unwell. Fever or a changing pattern deserves attention rather than being attributed to familiar hay fever without review.

Record whether symptoms mainly occur outdoors, at home, at work or around particular exposures. The purpose is to identify useful patterns, not to prove an allergy by yourself. Testing may be considered when it would help management, but is not required for every person. Healthdirect Australia: Hay fever

Sleep and daily function count

Tell the doctor if congestion interrupts sleep, affects concentration or makes ordinary activities difficult. A problem can deserve review even when it does not seem dramatic. Include what you have already tried and whether it helped or caused unwanted effects.

Ask a pharmacist or doctor about appropriate symptom management and correct use of any recommended product. Do not assume more frequent use is better or combine several products without checking. The clinician decides which approach fits your symptoms and circumstances.

When to seek different care

Wheeze, chest tightness and shortness of breath are not simply a blocked nose. They may need assessment for asthma or another breathing problem. Severe breathing difficulty is an emergency: call 000. Healthdirect Australia: Hay fever

For non-emergency care, Doccio's hay fever consultations provide a starting point. Mention any asthma history and bring your existing management plan if you have one. Ask when to return for review if symptoms remain troublesome, instead of relying on repeated purchases without checking why control is poor.