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Spring in Brisbane can mean warmer days, outdoor activities and time in the garden. But for people sensitive to pollen, the season can also bring repeated sneezing, itchy eyes, a blocked nose and persistent coughing.

The tricky part is that hay fever can feel like a cold that never quite goes away. For some people, however, spring allergies can involve more than nasal symptoms. When high grass pollen levels coincide with certain thunderstorm conditions, airborne pollen particles can trigger serious breathing difficulties known as thunderstorm asthma.

Hay fever affects around one in five Australian adults, according to Healthdirect. Symptoms can disturb sleep, cause daytime tiredness and make it harder to concentrate. For people who also have asthma, recognising allergy symptoms and managing their respiratory health are particularly important. Source: Healthdirect.

So, how can you tell whether you have hay fever or a cold? Who is at risk of thunderstorm asthma, and what can you do to protect yourself during Brisbane's spring allergy season?

Three Signs That May Point Towards Hay Fever

1. Itchy eyes and nose

Repeated sneezing accompanied by an itchy nose or watery eyes is characteristic of hay fever, particularly when symptoms occur after exposure to pollen.

2. Symptoms linked to outdoor exposure

Your symptoms may become worse after mowing the lawn, gardening, exercising outdoors or spending time around grassy areas. Windy conditions can also increase exposure to airborne pollen.

3. Symptoms that keep returning

If nasal congestion, sneezing and itchy eyes recur during particular seasons or after exposure to specific environments, an allergy may be contributing.

Having these symptoms does not automatically mean you have hay fever. If symptoms are persistent, severe or unusual for you, speak with your GP. Source: Healthdirect.

Why Brisbane Spring Can Trigger Hay Fever

Pollen is a common trigger of seasonal allergic rhinitis. Grass pollen is particularly relevant during grass-growing and flowering periods, although the timing and severity of symptoms depend on local conditions and the allergens affecting each person.

Brisbane residents may encounter pollen while walking through parks, exercising outdoors, gardening or spending time around lawns and open spaces. Wind can carry pollen through the air, so exposure is not limited to people who work in gardens or live near large grassy areas.

Spring weather may also encourage people to spend more time outside, increasing exposure for those who are sensitive.

However, not every episode of hay fever-like symptoms in spring is caused by grass pollen. Other allergens, including dust mites, mould and animal allergens, can cause symptoms throughout the year.

What Can Make Hay Fever Symptoms Worse?

Symptoms may become more noticeable when:

• Pollen levels are high.
• Windy conditions carry pollen through the air.
• You mow the lawn or work in the garden.
• You dry clothes or bedding outdoors during periods of heavy pollen exposure.
• You spend extended periods outside when your usual allergy triggers are present.

Keeping a simple symptom diary can help you identify patterns. Record when symptoms occur, where you have been and whether the weather or outdoor activity appears to make a difference.

For more information, read Healthdirect's guide to grass allergy.

Thunderstorm Asthma: Who Is at Risk?

Thunderstorm asthma is a potentially serious breathing condition associated with certain thunderstorm conditions and airborne grass pollen.

When a suitable storm develops, pollen grains can absorb moisture and break into much smaller particles. Wind may carry these particles towards ground level, where they can be inhaled deep into the airways and trigger asthma symptoms.

Symptoms can develop rapidly. Thunderstorm asthma does not occur during every storm; the risk depends on the combination of pollen exposure, weather conditions and individual susceptibility.

Who Should Be Especially Careful?

People at increased risk include:

• Adults with seasonal hay fever who are sensitive to grass pollen.
• People with asthma, particularly when their symptoms are not well controlled.
• People who experience coughing, wheezing or chest tightness during pollen season.
• People with grass pollen sensitivity who have never been diagnosed with asthma.

A previous asthma diagnosis is not essential for thunderstorm asthma to occur. Some people experience asthma symptoms for the first time during a thunderstorm-related event. Source: Healthdirect.

Three Warning Signs of Thunderstorm Asthma

1. Wheezing

A whistling sound when breathing, particularly when breathing out.

2. Chest Tightness or Shortness of Breath

A feeling of pressure in the chest or difficulty breathing. You may feel as though you cannot get enough air.

3. Persistent Coughing

Repeated coughing, especially when accompanied by wheezing or difficulty breathing.

These symptoms should not be dismissed as ordinary hay fever. Thunderstorm asthma symptoms can worsen quickly.

When to seek emergency help: If you or someone nearby experiences severe difficulty breathing or signs of a severe asthma attack, call Triple Zero (000) immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to settle.

Self-Care Steps to Manage Spring Allergies

You may not be able to avoid pollen completely, but practical changes can help reduce exposure and make symptoms easier to manage.

1. Check Pollen Levels and Weather Conditions

Check available local pollen information and weather forecasts before planning extended outdoor activities. Pay particular attention to windy conditions and thunderstorm forecasts when pollen levels are high.

2. Keep Windows Closed When Pollen Exposure Is High

Close windows and doors when pollen levels are high or thunderstorms are approaching. If you use air conditioning in your car, consider the recirculation setting where available.

3. Reduce Pollen Brought Indoors

After spending time outside, shower and change your clothes. Consider drying washing indoors or using a dryer during periods when pollen exposure is a concern.

4. Protect Your Eyes and Limit Exposure

Sunglasses may help reduce pollen contact with your eyes. If mowing or gardening triggers symptoms, avoid the activity where practical or arrange for someone else to do it.

5. Discuss Suitable Symptom Relief

Depending on your symptoms and health history, a pharmacist or GP may discuss options such as antihistamines, nasal sprays or saline nasal rinses.

The right option depends on your needs, other medicines and existing medical conditions. Follow product instructions and seek professional advice if you are unsure what is appropriate, particularly for children or during pregnancy.

6. Keep Track of Recurring Symptoms

Record when your symptoms occur, possible triggers and whether they affect sleep, work, exercise or everyday activities. This information can help your GP assess whether hay fever, asthma or another condition may be contributing.

These measures can help reduce pollen exposure, but they cannot guarantee that an allergic reaction or asthma episode will be prevented. Source: Healthdirect.

Have Asthma? Review Your Asthma Action Plan Before Spring

If you have asthma as well as hay fever, managing both conditions is important. Pollen exposure can aggravate asthma symptoms, while poorly controlled asthma can increase the risk of a serious flare-up.

An asthma action plan is a written guide developed with your healthcare professional. It explains how to manage your asthma, recognise worsening symptoms and respond when you need additional help.

Before or during pollen season, consider discussing the following with your GP:

• Whether your asthma is adequately controlled.
• Whether your current treatment and inhaler technique need reviewing.
• Which symptoms indicate that your asthma is getting worse.
• What steps to follow if symptoms develop during a thunderstorm.
• Whether your asthma action plan needs updating.
• What to do if your usual treatment does not relieve your symptoms.

Keep your prescribed asthma medicines available and use them as directed. If you do not have an asthma action plan, ask your GP whether one is appropriate.

If you have hay fever but have never been diagnosed with asthma, do not assume you are free from risk. New wheezing, chest tightness or breathing difficulty warrants medical assessment.

AFMDP provides asthma and COPD care in Aspley. A GP consultation can help assess your symptoms and determine whether your asthma management needs reviewing.

When Should You See Your Aspley GP?

Hay fever symptoms may initially seem manageable, but recurring allergies can affect sleep, concentration, exercise and quality of life.

Consider arranging a GP appointment if:

• Your symptoms keep returning or are not improving with self-care.
• Nasal congestion or itchy eyes are affecting your sleep or daily activities.
• You are unsure whether you have hay fever, a respiratory infection or another condition.
• You experience recurring cough, wheezing or chest tightness.
• You have asthma and your symptoms are becoming more frequent.
• You need advice about an appropriate allergy management plan.
• You have experienced breathing symptoms during or after a thunderstorm.

Your GP can review your symptoms, medical history and possible triggers. Depending on your presentation, they may recommend suitable management options, assess your asthma control or arrange further investigation or referral.

When Is It an Emergency?

Severe difficulty breathing, rapidly worsening breathing symptoms or signs of a severe asthma attack require immediate assistance. Call Triple Zero (000).

If you experience asthma symptoms for the first time during a thunderstorm, seek prompt medical assessment. Do not assume that breathing difficulties are simply another symptom of hay fever.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hay fever common in Brisbane?

Hay fever is common across Australia, and Brisbane residents may experience symptoms when exposed to pollen or other allergens. The timing and severity vary according to the allergens involved, local conditions and individual sensitivity.

Can hay fever turn into asthma?

Hay fever does not automatically develop into asthma. However, allergic rhinitis and asthma are associated conditions, and pollen can trigger asthma symptoms. If you experience wheezing, chest tightness or shortness of breath, arrange a medical assessment.

Can thunderstorm asthma affect someone who has never had asthma?

Yes. People who are sensitive to grass pollen and have seasonal hay fever can experience thunderstorm asthma even without a previous asthma diagnosis. New breathing difficulties during or after a storm should be taken seriously.

Should I stay indoors during a thunderstorm if I have hay fever?

If you are sensitive to pollen, particularly if you have asthma or seasonal hay fever, staying indoors before, during and after thunderstorms can help reduce exposure. Close doors and windows and monitor local weather conditions.

What is the difference between hay fever and a cold?

Hay fever commonly causes an itchy nose, repeated sneezing and itchy, watery eyes, often in response to an allergen. A cold is a viral infection and may cause a sore throat, cough, fatigue or fever. Symptoms can overlap, so seek advice if you are unsure.

Can a GP help with hay fever and asthma management?

Yes. A GP can assess symptoms, discuss suitable treatment options and review asthma control. If necessary, they may arrange further testing or referral. If you already have asthma, ask whether your asthma action plan needs updating before pollen season.

Get Ready for Spring with the Right Support

A runny nose or itchy eyes may seem like a minor seasonal inconvenience, but recurring hay fever can affect your sleep, energy and everyday life. If you also have asthma or develop breathing symptoms during stormy weather, understanding your triggers and having a clear management plan are particularly important.

At Aspley Family Medical Practice (AFMDP), the team provides general practice and asthma/COPD management to support patients with respiratory concerns and ongoing health needs.

If hay fever symptoms are affecting your daily routine, or you would like your asthma management reviewed, arrange a consultation with your Aspley GP.

Aspley Family Medical Practice (AFMDP)
Shop 1, Aspley Arcade 2 Shopping Centre
1368 Gympie Road, Aspley QLD 4034
Phone: (07) 3263 9951
Website: www.afmdp.com.au

This article provides general health information and does not replace individual medical advice. If you experience severe breathing difficulty, call Triple Zero (000).