If hay fever persists, see a GP or specialist
WITH spring finally here, hay-fever experts are urging Tasmanians to visit a GP or specialist if their symptoms don’t respond to run-of-themill allergy medications.
Allergy experts, such as Launceston GP Victoria Smith, are undertaking an education campaign titled Hay Fever Help before the season kicks into gear.
The initiative, which is being supported by patient group Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia, involves experts sharing their knowledge of hay-fever solutions with patients.
People can also visit a website to assess their symptoms, pollen count and locate a doctor in their area.
More than one in five Tasmanians are affected by hay fever, findings from the Facing Allergies Can End Stigma survey have revealed.
And Dr Smith, of the Rose Cottage Medical Centre in Launceston, said the stats wouldn’t get any better, with the pollen count set to jump significantly during spring and summer.
She said grass was a main culprit of hay fever and although nasal sprays and antihistamines were proven medications, they weren’t always a solution for everyone.
“If sprays and antihistamines aren’t giving relief, then go to your GP and, if that doesn’t work, then go to someone who is an allergy expert,” she said.
“When [these] don’t work, that’s when I get involved. I do skin-prick tests with substances like grass and then immunotherapy, which is a series of injections [with an allergen] monthly for about three years.”
Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia president Maria Said agreed and said a significant percentage of Tasmanians treated hay fever with overthe-counter medications when they should visit a GP for proper treatment.
Hay Fever Help ambassador Darren Palmer, an interior designer who was a judge on television series The Block, is a long-term hay fever sufferer.
During the campaign, he will help promote long-term solutions for fellow sufferers on social, print and broadcast media.
“Chat you your GP about the options that are right for you because everyone is different,” Mr Palmer said.