Usually not. In nearly all cases, diagnosis is obvious based on the typical hay fever symptoms, and the fact that these symptoms get better when the trigger is avoided and/or a trial of hay fever medication works. Whilst there are skin prick tests and blood tests available, they are not often performed, as they often [...]
There is no single most effective type of hay fever medication - it varies from person to person. Some people find a once daily antihistamine tablet controls symptoms very well. However, quite often, drowsiness can be a problem with antihistamines, even the supposedly “non-drowsy” ones. Other types of hay fever medication such as steroid nasal [...]
Further useful information can be obtained at headacheaustralia.org.au healthdirect.gov.au
At peak times it can be hard to avoid pollen, but here are a few sensible tips: If possible, try to stay indoors until after midday, particularly when the pollen count is high and on windy days Stay indoors during and just after thunderstorms, particularly if pollen counts are high. Information about pollen counts is [...]
It’s not certain why hay fever happens. But it does seem that there’s a lower risk in people who are exposed to animals early in life, people who grow up on a farm, or those who have lots of brothers and sisters!
For most people it’s about managing symptoms of hayfever (allergic rhinitis) and avoiding triggers. If you’ve got severe allergic rhinitis, it is possible to get a course of immunotherapy via an allergy specialist. Immunotherapy involves getting regular injections which, over 3-5 years, may result in desensitisation to the trigger- i.e. a cure, though it does [...]
Steroid injections used to be given for hayfever. Doctors no longer recommend this option because of the significant side effects of steroid use, and the fact that there are now many other effective, safer hay fever medications available.
When a big event like a wedding or holiday crops up, and your period is due at the same time, it can be very frustrating- it may affect how you feel physically and mentally, what activities you can take part in, and what clothes you can wear. In such situations, women quite often come to [...]
In most cases your ability to become pregnant returns the moment a contraceptive medication is stopped or withdrawn. However, in the case of the long acting progesterone injection or “Depo injection”, it can take quite a few months for the effects to wear off, and the return to fertility can be delayed for a number [...]
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) or impotence is the inability to get or keep an erection which is firm enough for sexual intercourse. Many men experience this issue now and then- for example if they are under stress. However, for some, it can be a more ongoing and troublesome problem, and if this is the case, it’s important [...]
