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Spring in Western Australia is a highly anticipated time of year. It brings longer days, warmer weather and a renewed sense of energy as everything starts to bloom. But for many, that excitement also comes with an unwelcome side effect - the return of pollen season. As native plants release pollen into the air, many people start to experience sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes and a runny nose. According to Healthdirect, this reaction, known as hay fever (allergic rhinitis), occurs when the immune system responds to allergens such as pollen, dust or mould.
For people living with asthma, this time of year can be especially challenging. The National Asthma Council Australia explains that hay fever and asthma are closely linked because inflammation in the nose can also affect the lungs and airways. When pollen counts are high, asthma symptoms can become harder to manage and may lead to flare-ups.
In this blog we will we explore expert guidance from leading Australian health organisations such as Asthma Australia, the National Asthma Council, and ASCIA offering practical ways to manage seasonal allergies and asthma this spring.
Hay fever and asthma can look and feel different, but they often influence each other. According to Healthdirect, hay fever symptoms include sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy or watery eyes, and fatigue from disrupted sleep. Asthma Australia adds that asthma symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.
The National Asthma Council describes this relationship as the “one airway” concept, meaning that the upper and lower airways are linked. When the nose is inflamed from allergies, it can worsen asthma control. Treating both conditions together can help reduce flare-ups and improve overall breathing comfort.
At HIF, we suggest speaking with your GP if your asthma worsens this spring. Together, you can review your medication plan and pinpoint any seasonal triggers that may be affecting your symptoms. As pollen levels rise, certain weather conditions can make things even more challenging for people with asthma and allergies. This is where thunderstorm asthma comes in.
Thunderstorm asthma is a rare but serious condition that can happen during spring storms. Asthma Australia explains that when storms pass through during high pollen days, the moisture and wind can cause pollen grains to burst into tiny fragments. These particles are so small they can be inhaled deep into the lungs, triggering sudden asthma symptoms.
Healthdirect notes that people with hay fever caused by grass pollen are at particular risk. Staying indoors during gusty storm fronts, closing windows, and using recirculated air in your car can reduce exposure.
The National Asthma Council advises people with asthma or hay fever to keep their preventer and reliever medications up to date and to follow a personalised asthma action plan. Checking the Perth Pollen Forecast regularly can help you prepare for changes in the weather.
There is no single cure for hay fever, but there are several ways to reduce symptoms. The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) recommends the following steps for relief:
- Limit exposure: Keep windows closed on high pollen days, avoid outdoor activity during strong winds, and shower after being outside to remove pollen from your hair and skin.
- Use medications correctly: Non-drowsy antihistamines can relieve sneezing and itchiness, while corticosteroid nasal sprays are often the most effective long-term treatment for congestion and inflammation.
- Consider saline rinses: Saline sprays or rinses can help clear allergens from nasal passages and reduce irritation.
- Ask about immunotherapy: For people with severe or persistent allergies, immunotherapy may reduce sensitivity to pollen over time. This should always be discussed with a qualified GP or allergy specialist.
If your hay fever symptoms are severe or affecting your asthma, it is best to speak with a healthcare professional before making changes to your treatment.
Managing asthma during spring means being proactive, not reactive. Asthma Australia recommends every person with asthma have a written action plan developed with their doctor. This plan outlines your daily medication, what to do if symptoms worsen, and how to respond in an emergency.
Some practical steps include:
- Taking your preventer medication as prescribed, even when you feel well.
- Keeping your reliever inhaler with you, especially during storm season.
- Checking your inhaler technique with your pharmacist or GP.
- Reviewing your asthma action plan at least once a year, ideally before spring.
- Keeping bedroom windows closed on high pollen days and using an air purifier with a HEPA filter.
- Washing bedding weekly in hot water to remove pollen and dust.
- Exercising indoors when pollen counts are high, and keeping pets off bedding to reduce dander exposure.
If your symptoms flare during a thunderstorm or after exposure to high pollen, follow your asthma action plan and use your reliever as directed. At HIF, we suggest checking in with your GP if your asthma becomes harder to control, as they can help review your medication and identify any additional triggers that might be affecting you this spring season.
At HIF, we understand that managing allergies and asthma is part of caring for your overall wellbeing. Our Health and Wellbeing Programs are designed to give members access to flexible, supportive health solutions year-round.
HIF offers a range of cover options that can help you manage seasonal or chronic conditions:
To compare different levels of cover and find the best fit for your needs, visit our Extras Cover page.
Taking control this spring
Spring doesn’t have to mean months of sneezing or struggling to breathe. With awareness, preparation, and support from trusted health professionals, you can manage allergies and asthma confidently. Keep an eye on pollen forecasts, follow your action plan, and explore HIF’s flexible cover options to help you stay healthy through every season.
- Why does my hay fever feel worse in spring?
Spring, which runs from September to November in Western Australia, is the peak of pollen season. During this time, native grasses and trees release large amounts of pollen into the air, often spreading further on warm, dry, and windy days. The Perth Pollen Forecast tracks daily levels of grass and tree pollen, classifying them as low, moderate, high, or extreme.
Even moderate levels can cause irritation for people with allergies, while high or extreme readings are more likely to trigger sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes.
- Can hay fever trigger asthma symptoms?
Yes. According to the National Asthma Council Australia, inflammation from hay fever (allergic rhinitis) can make asthma harder to control. When the nose becomes inflamed due to allergens like pollen, it can also affect the lower airways, increasing the likelihood of coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath.
People who experience both hay fever and asthma are more likely to have asthma flare ups and may find their symptoms are more severe. Treating both conditions together can help improve overall symptom control and reduce the risk of complications.
- How can I tell if I have thunderstorm asthma?
Thunderstorm asthma can affect people who have asthma, undiagnosed asthma, or hay fever triggered by grass pollen. According to Asthma Australia, symptoms can appear suddenly during or after a storm and may include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness.
If you’ve ever experienced these symptoms during spring storms or on days with high pollen counts, it’s worth discussing with your GP. They can help determine whether you have asthma through a lung function test and review your risk factors, such as seasonal allergies or a history of hay fever. The National Asthma Council Australia recommends having an up-to-date asthma action plan and keeping your preventer and reliever medications on hand during storm season.
- How can I reduce pollen exposure at home?
Reducing pollen inside your home can help ease hay fever and asthma symptoms, especially during spring. Below are a few simple actionable steps as recommended by Health Direct:
- Keep windows and doors closed on windy or high-pollen days.
- Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter to capture airborne pollen and dust.
- Dry clothes and bedding indoors during high pollen counts.
- Shower and wash your hair after spending time outside to remove pollen.
- Change clothes when coming indoors to avoid spreading pollen inside.
- Vacuum regularly using a cleaner with a HEPA filter.
- Wipe down hard surfaces with a damp cloth instead of dusting.
These small changes can make a big difference in keeping your indoor air cleaner and helping you breathe easier throughout pollen season.
- Is it worth getting tested for allergies?
Yes, it’s worthwhile. If your symptoms are persistent, allergy testing through your GP or an immunologist can help identify your specific triggers and guide long-term treatment options such as immunotherapy. Knowing exactly what you’re allergic to means you can take steps to manage exposure, choose the right medications, and prevent flare-ups before they start. It’s about enjoying your daily life - not worrying about when the next sneezing fit or asthma flare might hit.
- Does HIF cover asthma or allergy-related treatments?
Yes. Depending on your level of Hospital Cover and Extras Cover, you may be eligible for benefits on respiratory treatments, medical appliances, or wellness programs through HIF’s Health and Wellbeing Programs.
- When does pollen season peak in WA?
Pollen levels are typically highest in spring and early summer. You can track them through the Perth Pollen Count & Forecast.
- What causes asthma?
Asthma is caused by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, which makes it harder to breathe. The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but Asthma Australia explains that a combination of genetic and environmental factors usually plays a role.
Common asthma triggers include:
- Allergens such as pollen, dust mites, mould, and pet dander.
- Respiratory infections like colds or the flu.
- Weather changes, especially cold air or thunderstorms.
- Exercise or physical activity without proper asthma management.
- Exposure to cigarette smoke, strong odours, or air pollution.
Understanding your personal triggers can make a big difference in controlling asthma. At HIF, we recommend working with your GP to develop an asthma action plan that helps you manage symptoms and stay active with confidence.
- Can you develop asthma as an adult?
Yes. While asthma often begins in childhood, it can also develop later in life. Adult-onset asthma can be triggered by ongoing exposure to allergens, respiratory infections, smoking, workplace irritants, or even hormonal changes.