Sneezing fits, a blocked or runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes can be frustrating, especially when they keep coming back. These symptoms are commonly associated with hayfever and can make work, sleep and everyday routines feel harder than they should.2
For people looking at different ways to manage seasonal hayfever symptoms, BreathMor® is a clinically trialled* nasal spray derived from a plant-based active ingredient designed to help provide temporary relief from seasonal hayfever symptoms, including sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy eyes, nasal itching and eye redness. It is non-drowsy and does not contain steroids or corticosteroids.
Important: ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. Adults only. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional. Contains Sulfites (Sodium bisulfite).
In this guide, we’ll break down what hayfever is, what can trigger it, the symptoms people commonly experience, and practical ways to manage exposure to common allergens.
Key takeaways:
- Hayfever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is an allergic response to environmental allergens.2,3
- Common triggers include pollen, dust mites, mould and animal dander.2,3
- Typical symptoms include sneezing, nasal congestion, a runny or itchy nose, and itchy or watery eyes.2,3
- Symptoms may be seasonal or continue when exposure to indoor or outdoor allergens persists.2
- Recognising possible triggers and reducing exposure can form part of managing hayfever, alongside suitable symptom-relief options.2,3
What Is Hayfever?
Hayfever, or allergic rhinitis, occurs when the body reacts to environmental allergens that would normally be harmless. This allergic response can lead to irritation and symptoms affecting the nasal passages and eyes.2,3
Despite the name, hayfever is not necessarily caused by hay. The term dates back to early observations that symptoms often appeared during haying season.4
In Australia, allergic rhinitis is very common. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data shows that 23.9% of Australians had allergic rhinitis in 2022.1
Hayfever at a glance 2
- Also known as: Allergic rhinitis
- Commonly affects: Nose and eyes
- Common triggers: Pollen, dust mites, mould and animal dander
- Common symptoms: Sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy eyes and watery eyes
- Symptom pattern: May be seasonal or continue while exposure to allergens persists
Hayfever Throughout History
Our understanding of hayfever has changed considerably over the past two centuries.
In the early 19th century, the English physician John Bostock first described it as “summer catarrh (catarrhus aestivus)” . The term “hayfever” later became associated with the condition because symptoms were commonly noticed during haying season, even though hay itself was not the cause.4
Early attempts to manage symptoms included treatments such as opium, morphine, mercury, leeches and inhaled ammonium chloride. By the 20th century, approaches became even more unusual, including nasal removal, bubble helmets and so-called “parentectomies”.5
First-generation antihistamines were introduced in the 1940s and, while effective for some symptoms, were known to cause significant drowsiness because they cross the blood-brain barrier.6
Today, hayfever is understood as an allergic response to environmental allergens.
What Causes Hayfever?
Hayfever occurs when the immune system reacts to an environmental allergen.
Common triggers include pollen, dust mites, mould and animal dander.2,3 These allergens can occur both outdoors and indoors, which helps explain why symptoms do not always follow the same pattern for everyone.
Pollen
Pollen is one of the best-known seasonal hayfever triggers. People who are sensitive to pollen may notice their symptoms become more noticeable on high-pollen days.
Dust Mites
Dust mites are indoor allergens. This means hayfever symptoms are not necessarily limited to outdoor environments or times when pollen levels are high.
Mould
Mould is another environmental allergen that may contribute to symptoms in people who are sensitive to it.
Animal Dander
Animal dander can also trigger an allergic response in some people.
|
Allergen |
Where exposure may occur |
Possible pattern |
|---|---|---|
|
Pollen |
Outdoors |
May be more noticeable on high-pollen days |
|
Dust mites |
Indoors |
Exposure may continue throughout the year |
|
Mould |
Indoor environments |
Symptoms may continue while exposure persists |
|
Animal dander |
Around animals and indoor spaces |
Symptoms may occur with ongoing exposure |
What Happens During a Hayfever Reaction?
A hayfever reaction starts when the immune system responds to an allergen.
In simple terms:
- An environmental allergen reaches the nasal passages.
- Immune cells, including mast cells, become activated.
- These cells release substances such as histamine.
- Histamine contributes to symptoms affecting the nose and eyes.
This process helps explain why several symptoms, such as sneezing, nasal congestion and itchy eyes, can appear at the same time.2
BreathMor® works earlier in the allergic response at the mast cell level, helping to reduce histamine release before symptoms take hold. Find out more about the science behind how BreathMor® works .
What Are the Common Symptoms of Hayfever?
Hayfever commonly affects the nose and eyes, although symptoms and their severity can vary from person to person.2,3
Nasal Symptoms
Common nasal symptoms include:
- Sneezing
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Nasal itching
Ongoing congestion can also affect everyday comfort and make sleeping more difficult. Some people may also experience sinus pressure and fatigue alongside persistent allergy symptoms.
Eye Symptoms
Common eye symptoms include:
- Itchy eyes
- Watery eyes
- Eye redness
Some people experience nasal and eye symptoms at the same time, while others find one group of symptoms more noticeable.
For people exploring plant-based options, BreathMor® is a clinically trialled*, non-drowsy, powered by a plant-based active nasal spray intended to help provide temporary relief from seasonal hayfever symptoms.
Important: ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. Adults only. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional. Contains Sulfites (Sodium bisulfite).
Why Can Hayfever Symptoms Keep Returning?
Hayfever symptoms may continue or return while exposure to environmental allergens continues.
For example:
- Pollen levels may be higher on certain days.
- Dust mites can remain present indoors.
- Mould exposure may continue within the home.
- Animal dander may remain in indoor environments.
- More than one allergen may be present at the same time.
This means pollen is not always the only possible explanation for recurring symptoms. Someone may still experience symptoms on a low-pollen day if they are exposed to other allergens such as dust mites, mould or animal dander.2
Paying attention to when and where symptoms appear may help you recognise possible patterns. However, noticing a pattern does not confirm what is causing your symptoms.
How Can You Reduce Exposure to Hayfever Triggers?
Completely avoiding environmental allergens may not be practical, but reducing exposure can form part of managing hayfever.
Practical steps include:
- Check pollen forecasts.
- Keep windows closed on high-pollen days.
- Shower after spending time outdoors.
- Reduce indoor dust.
- Address mould in the home.
- Pay attention to environments where symptoms seem more noticeable.
Keeping a simple record of where you were and when symptoms appeared may also help you notice patterns over time.
What Are the Common Ways to Manage Hayfever?
Hayfever management may involve a combination of reducing exposure to allergens and choosing suitable options to manage symptoms.
Common approaches include:
- Nasal sprays
- Decongestants
- Eye drops
- Saline sprays
- Plant-based or natural options
Different products have different purposes, so they should always be used according to their labels and directions for use.
Managing Hayfever
Hayfever is an allergic response to environmental allergens, with common triggers including pollen, dust mites, mould and animal dander. Symptoms most commonly affect the nose and eyes and may appear seasonally or continue when exposure to allergens persists.
Understanding possible triggers, recognising symptom patterns and taking practical steps to reduce exposure can all form part of managing hayfever.
BreathMor® is a clinically trialled* nasal spray containing a naturally derived, plant-based active ingredient. It is non-drowsy, does not contain steroids or corticosteroids, and is intended to provide temporary relief from seasonal hayfever symptoms.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Adults only. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional. Contains sulfites (sodium bisulfite).
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is hayfever the same as allergic rhinitis?
Yes. Hayfever is another name for allergic rhinitis. It is an allergic response to environmental allergens and commonly affects the nose and eyes.2,3
What are the most common hayfever symptoms?
Common symptoms include sneezing, nasal congestion, a runny or itchy nose, itchy eyes, watery eyes and eye redness.
Why can I have hayfever symptoms when pollen levels are low?
Pollen is only one possible environmental allergen. Dust mites, mould and animal dander may also contribute to symptoms, including when exposure occurs indoors.
How can I reduce exposure to common triggers?
Monitoring pollen forecasts, keeping windows closed on high-pollen days, showering after outdoor exposure and reducing indoor dust and mould may help reduce exposure to common allergens.
How does BreathMor® work?
BreathMor® works earlier in the allergic response at the mast cell level, helping to reduce histamine release before symptoms take hold.
What symptoms is BreathMor® intended to relieve?
BreathMor® helps to provide temporary relief from seasonal hayfever symptoms including sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy eyes, nasal itching and eye redness.
What should I do if symptoms persist?
If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.
References
1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Allergic rhinitis (hayfever). Australian Government. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-respiratory-conditions/allergic-rhinitis-hay-fever
2. Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA). Allergic Rhinitis (HayFever). https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/allergic-rhinitis-hay-fever-and-sinusitis/allergic-rhinitis-or-hay-fever
3. Healthdirect Australia. Hayfever (allergic rhinitis): symptoms, treatments and causes. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hay-fever
4. Ramachandran M, Aronson JK. John Bostock's first description of hayfever. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine. 2011;104(6):237–240. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3110966/
5. American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy (AAOA). A Brief History of Allergy Treatment. https://aaoallergy.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/AAOA-Practice-Resource-Tool-Kit.pdf
6. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). First-generation antihistamines – winter warning. Australian Government. https://www.tga.gov.au/safety/safety-monitoring-and-information/safety-alerts/first-generation-antihistamines-winter-warning
* Steels E, Steels E, Deshpande P, Thakurdesai P, Dighe S, Collet T. A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study of intranasal standardized cinnamon bark extract for seasonal allergic rhinitis. Complement Ther Med. 2019;47:102198.
Walanj A, Walanj S, Mohan V, Thakurdesai PA. Efficacy and safety of intranasal cinnamon bark extract in seasonal allergic rhinitis patients: a double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study. J Herb Med. 2014;4:37–47.
