06.09.2018
With spring here and the weather warming up – sometimes – we will be coming into the hay fever season.
Perth has one of the highest incidents of hay fever or allergic rhinitis in Australia, as it has the wheat belt in the East, and all those Easterly winds!
We cop the worst of it from July through to the end of the flowering period in October to December.
Hay fever affects both adults and children and can have a significant impact on sleep, concentration and daily function. It can cause itchy watery eyes, a congested, runny, or itchy nose, sneezing, snoring and just make you feel wretched!
Pollens from grasses are the most common cause as they are difficult to see and often worse at this time of year.
To try to prevent hay fever, try to stay inside during the dry, dusty days. Use re-circulated air in your car when pollen levels are high. Avoid mowing the lawn but if you have to, shower straight afterward to wash away attached irritants. You can also take a non-drowsy antihistamine to help with the symptoms.
If your symptoms persist feel free to come into the surgery and discuss it with one of our GP’s.
If you are really at the end of your tether they can prescribe some medication that may help or maybe suggest a referral to a specialist for desensitisation.
The Asthma Australia website has a daily pollen forecast which may be useful too.
