School Nurse -
Carla Lang
Achoo!!!!
Spring is here, the days are getting warmer and there is plenty of reason to get outside — but for some students, spring also means sneezing, itchy eyes and runny noses!
Victoria has just recorded its wettest winter since 2016 and its warmest winter on record. This means Victoria is entering spring with stronger evidence that much of western and central Victoria could experience a more active grass pollen season than last year. (https://www.melbournepollen.com.au)
Hay fever is a type of allergic reaction. It happens when pollens and dust mites in the air get into your nose and eyes, which can cause inflammation. It usually affects the nose, face, sinus passages, eyes and throat, symptoms can include sneezing, a blocked or runny nose, itchy or watery eyes and an itchy throat.
Hay fever is quite common and effects around 15% of people in Australia each year.
There are two types of hay fever: Seasonal hay fever and Perennial hay fever.
Seasonal hay fever happens when your child has an allergy to pollens. These are small particles released into the air by some grasses and trees. Your child breathes in these pollens, and they irritate the lining of their eyes, sinuses and nasal passages.
Perennial hay fever happens all year round and is caused by other triggers. These could be dust mites in the house, animal saliva or skin cells caught in fur or hair, and mould spores. If your child gets hay fever all year round, they’re probably allergic to one of these triggers.
Although hay fever isn’t serious, if your child is very sensitive to pollens in the air, they can develop other symptoms like wheezing, hives and rashes, especially eczema.
Hay fever can also lead to poor-quality sleep, which can lead to tiredness and poor concentration during the daytime.
When should you seek help?
If symptoms are severe, interfering with sleep or daily activities, or you are unsure whether symptoms are caused by allergies or something else, speak with your GP or pharmacist.
Tips to prevent or minimise hay fever this spring
- 🌿Check the pollen forecast if you or your child suffers from seasonal allergies.
- 👃 If pollen is high, try to limit time outside when possible, particularly on windy days.
- Stay inside after thunderstorms.
- 🚿Shower and change clothes after spending lots of time outside to remove pollen.
- 🛏️ Keep bedroom windows closed when pollen levels are high.
- 👓 Sunglasses can help reduce pollen getting into the eyes.
- 💊 If your child normally uses allergy medication, make sure it is available and being used as recommended.
- 🫁 Students with asthma should have their asthma plan and medication up to date.
For students who spend lots of time outdoors — whether that's playing sport, riding bikes, working on the farm or simply enjoying the warmer weather — knowing what triggers your allergies can make a big difference.
Hay fever medicines
Corticosteroid nose sprays are the best treatment for hay fever, especially for a blocked nose. Your child can use them safely throughout the pollen season for seasonal hay fever or throughout the year for perennial hay fever.
Antihistamines can help with itching, runny nose and sneezing, but they don’t usually work for a blocked nose. You can ask your pharmacist or GP whether antihistamine eye drops would be good for your child.
For more severe hay fever, the GP might prescribe a special antihistamine. Some antihistamines can cause drowsiness, so it’s best to use one that won’t make your child sleepy.
Your pharmacist or GP can advise you on the best medicines for your child.
Remember: Spring allergies shouldn't stop us enjoying spring — a little preparation can help everyone breathe, play and learn more comfortably!
If your family has allergy or asthma medication at school, now is a good time to check that it hasn't expired and that the school has an up-to-date action plan.
References:
https://www.melbournepollen.com.au
https://raisingchildren.net.au/
Carla Lang
Secondary School Nurse