Hayfever season has arrived with spring and over the last few weeks I have seen an increase in hayfever in my patients. For most, hayfever is seasonal because spring time means an increase in pollen from trees, grasses and weeds. In some people prone to allergies, their immune system believes pollen is a harmful invader, triggering production of the antibody immunoglobulin E. This encourages the release of histamine, causing inflammation and swelling of the nasal passages, sinus, throat and eyes. Other symptoms of hay fever include excessive mucus production, sneezing, itching nose and throat, watery eyes and a clear, runny nose. Hay fever (sometimes called allergic rhinitis) is one of the most common chronic respiratory conditions in this country, affecting around three million Australians. Read more