Are you tired of struggling through allergy season, reaching for tissues and constantly rubbing itchy eyes? While often dismissed as a seasonal nuisance, hay fever and allergies can become persistent, frustrating and even debilitating. Our approach to managing these conditions focuses on identifying your unique triggers and building targeted, long-term strategies for relief.
A Note From Dr Aleks
During my clinical training, I saw just how significantly hay fever and chronic allergies could impact someone's quality of life — physically, emotionally and socially. Many patients described feeling perpetually unwell, with their symptoms affecting everything from their sleep quality to their ability to enjoy outdoor activities.
Allergy care requires more than symptom relief. It calls for a deeper look at your immune system, your environment, your habits and the specific patterns behind your flare-ups. We aim to control your symptoms now and give you tools to stay ahead of your triggers in the future. With the right care, many people can manage these conditions, even during peak allergy seasons.
Common Characteristics
- Frequent sneezing
- Nasal congestion or a runny nose
- Itchy, watery or red eyes
- Postnasal drip or throat irritation
- Pressure or pain around the sinuses
- Fatigue or difficulty concentrating
- Seasonal symptom flare-ups
- Worsening of asthma or eczema symptoms
Contributing Factors
- Pollen exposure (grasses, weeds, trees)
- Dust mites and indoor allergens
- Pet dander
- Mould spores
- Air pollution
- Changes in weather or temperature
- Histamine response
- Genetic predisposition
- Poor indoor air quality
- Chronic sinus inflammation
Understanding Hay Fever and Allergies
Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is an immune response to environmental allergens. When your body mistakes harmless particles like pollen or dust for threats, it triggers an inflammatory cascade designed to flush them out. This immune overreaction causes the classic symptoms, such as sneezing, nasal swelling and congestion.
There are two main types of allergic rhinitis:
- Seasonal, which flares during specific times of the year when certain pollens are in the air
- Perennial, which can persist year-round due to constant exposure to indoor allergens
Allergic symptoms are not limited to the nose. They can affect your eyes, skin, respiratory system and even your energy levels. Many people don’t realise how closely allergies are connected to other conditions, including asthma, eczema, chronic sinusitis and sleep disturbances.
Frequently Asked Questions About Allergies
No. Although the symptoms can feel similar, colds are caused by viruses, while hay fever results from an immune response to allergens. Hay fever does not cause fever, and symptoms tend to persist longer or follow seasonal patterns.
Yes. It’s common for people to develop new allergies in adulthood, especially after moving to a new climate or being exposed to new environmental factors. Hormonal changes and immune shifts can also play a role.
Not necessarily. Many people with hay fever can still enjoy the outdoors with the right treatment plan. That may include taking medication before exposure, using nasal filters, wearing sunglasses or tracking pollen levels to avoid peak times.
Common hay fever and allergy triggers include pollen, dust mites, mould spores and pet dander. Allergic reactions can also occur in response to insect stings, medications, eating certain foods or touching certain substances.
While there is no universal cure, many people achieve long-term relief with desensitisation therapies like immunotherapy. These treatments gradually retrain the immune system to tolerate specific allergens and may significantly reduce or eliminate symptoms over time.
Request Your Private
Consultation at OLA Aesthetics
You don’t have to suffer through allergy season or live with daily congestion. At OLA Aesthetics, we offer customised care for allergy-related concerns to help you breathe, sleep and live more comfortably.