General Practice
Allergies and hay fever
Seasonal and year-round allergies, and the difference from a lingering cold.
4 min read
What it is
Allergic rhinitis happens when the immune system overreacts to something harmless — grass pollen, dust mite, animal dander or mould. It causes the same runny nose and sneezing as a cold, but without fever, and it lasts as long as the exposure does. In the Free State, grass and tree pollen make spring and early summer the busiest period.
What to look for
Sneezing, clear runny nose, itchy eyes, nose and palate
Blocked nose and postnasal drip, often worse in the morning
No fever, and symptoms tied to a place, season or animal
Sensible things to do at home
- Keep windows closed on windy, high-pollen days
- Rinse the nose with saline after being outdoors
- Wash bedding hot and weekly if dust mite is a trigger
- Non-sedating antihistamines help; steroid nasal sprays need daily use for a week or two to work
When to see us
- Symptoms interfere with sleep, school or work
- You also wheeze or cough — allergies and asthma often travel together
- Over-the-counter treatment is not enough after two weeks
- Any sudden swelling of the lips, tongue or throat — this is an emergency
To book, phone the practice on 058 813 2777 or send us a message. In an emergency, go to the nearest emergency department or call 10177.