When to see your GP or allergist

If your hayfever symptoms are becoming difficult to live with, it may be a good idea  to see a healthcare professional. 

It is not easy living with hayfever, especially if your symptoms are interfering with  sleep and daily activities such as work or school.1-3

If you have tried hayfever treatments and they are not controlling your symptoms,  talking with a GP can help.2 It is also recommended that you see a GP if you have  other ongoing respiratory conditions such as asthma.4 As uncontrolled hayfever can  worsen asthma, it is important you discuss both conditions with your GP so you are  clear on your treatment plan to manage both conditions. 

Your GP may also decide to refer you to an allergy specialist.1

When should I see an allergist?

You may be referred to an allergist, also called clinical immunology or allergy  specialist. This may be recommended if:4,5

  • Hayfever symptoms are severe or constant 
  • Hayfever medicines do not provide effective relief or cause intolerable side effects 
  • It is difficult to avoid the allergen that triggers your hayfever (e.g., Pollen) 
  • You have a work-related allergy (e.g., A vet nurse with pet dander allergy) 
  • You have complex allergic disease (e.g., Allergic rhinitis and asthma or eczema) 
  • You were previously diagnosed with anaphylaxis or other types of allergies, such as  to food or medicines

What does an allergist do?

An allergist is a specialised doctor with extensive training in diagnosing, treating,  and managing hayfever and other allergies.5 You can visit an allergy specialist with  a referral from a GP.5

Before giving treatments or advice, an allergist may request allergy tests. Allergy  tests can help confirm what triggers your hayfever and how severe your hayfever  reactions are. Tests could include skin prick tests and blood tests. The test results,  along with your symptoms and hayfever history, help an allergist recommend the  most appropriate treatments for you.4,6

Skin prick testing

  • Small pricks are made on the skin of your arm or back and allergens are applied.4,6
  • If you react to an allergen, itchy red lumps appear within 15–20 minutes.6

IgE blood test

  • An allergy specialist may
    sometimes order a blood test.6
  • The test can detect allergen specific antibodies called
    immunoglobulin E, or IgE.6

You can learn more about hayfever treatment options and support here

MyHayFeverComAU

If you think you have hayfever, it can be helpful to keep a symptom diary and discuss appropriate treatment options with your doctor to make sure your hayfever doesn't impact your quality of life.

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References

  1. Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA). Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever). Available at: https://www.allergy.org.au/images/pcc/ASCIA_PCC_Allergic_Rhinitis_2019.pdf Accessed: August 2023. 
  2. NHS Inform. Allergic Rhinitis. Available at: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/ears-nose-and-throat/allergic-rhinitis/. Accessed: August 2023. 
  3. Cleveland Clinic. Allergic Rhinitis. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8622-allergic-rhinitis-hay-fever. Accessed: August 2023. 
  4. Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA). Allergic Rhinitis Clinical Update. Available at: https://www.allergy.org.au/images/stories/pospapers/ar/ASCIA_HP_Allergic_Rhinitis_2022.pdf Accessed: August 2023. 
  5. Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA). Clinical Immunology/Allergy Specialists. Available at: https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/allergy-and-clinical-immunologyservices/clinical-immunologist-allergy-specialist. Accessed: August 2023. 
  6. Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA). Allergy Testing. Available at: https://www.allergy.org.au/images/pcc/ASCIA_PCC_Allergy_testing_2020.pdf. Accessed: August 2023