Doctors across Australia are warning that hay fever season is kicking off earlier this spring and it’s only getting worse. They’re encouraging people to get on top of their symptoms now, especially if they also suffer from asthma.
According to the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), there’s growing evidence that climate change is making pollen seasons longer in major cities. For example, in Melbourne, the season is now starting sooner and lasting longer than it used to.
RACGP president Dr Michael Wright said GPs are ready to support patients who struggle with hay fever and asthma.
“Hay fever is really common, and it’s important for people with allergic rhinitis or asthma to manage their symptoms carefully,” Dr Wright said.
“That means checking in with your regular GP and having an asthma action plan in place. Don’t wait for symptoms to get worse as pollen levels rise preventive treatment is the key.”
He also pointed out that Melbourne is often called the “allergy capital of the world,” with about one in three people affected by hay fever, mainly from pollen.
“But it’s not just Melbourne people across Australia should be prepared,” he said.
“Thunderstorm asthma tends to hit in the south-east between October and December, so now’s the time to get ahead of it. If you’re prone to allergies, speak to your GP about starting treatment early. It’s always better to be prepared and your GP is there to help.”