Managing hay fever may be done by reducing exposure to triggers, medications, and immunotherapy, according to Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia(“A&AA”). The same source mentions that identifying which one may work for you is done by a doctor who will diagnose your hay fever based on the symptoms you experience. A&AA is a registered charity that works closely with peak medical bodies. It is Australia’s only national support organisation. They help individuals and carers in managing allergies and the risk of anaphylaxis. It is a severe allergic reaction that may be provided with an appropriate first aid response. This will be included in the discussion below after reviewing the three methods to help manage hay fever.
Managing Hay Fever by Reducing Exposure to Triggers
A&AA states that it is possible to reduce hay fever symptoms by minimising exposure to the allergen(s). It may be done by following their tips to reduce exposure to environmental allergens. Such allergens may be pollen, dust mite, pet dander, and mould, which may be confirmed by:
- Skin prick tests.
- Blood test.
Medicare will cover a part of these tests’ costs as part of their Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), which includes Dermatology, Allergy, and Immunology services. Medicare is Australia’s universal health insurance scheme managed by the government’s Department of Health and Aged Care.
How Much to Pay for Allergy Test
Around $120 remaining needs to be paid for each test after Medicare has covered some of the costs, according to HealthDirect. It is part of the national virtual public health information service that the Australian government supports, among others.
Managing Hay Fever with Medications
The below treatments have been mentioned by A&AA that may help improve the symptoms of hay fever:
- Non-drowsy antihistamines.
- Intranasal corticosteroid (INCS) sprays.
- INCS + antihistamine combined sprays.
- Saltwater nasal sprays and rinses.
Even though some of these may be available over the counter, it is advised to see a health professional first for proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations. They must have completed an ASCIA Allergic Rhinitis Treatment Plan for you, according to A&AA.
The Allergic Rhinitis Treatment Plan
This medical document with types in fields and tick boxes was developed by the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA). It is composed of clinical immunology/allergy specialists in Australia and New Zealand and is a member of the following:
- World Allergy Organisation (WAO) – consists of 108 regional and national allergology and clinical immunology societies worldwide.
- Asia Pacific Association of Allergy, Asthma, and Clinical Immunology (APAAACI) – consists of allergy professionals in Asia.
ASCIA designed the Allergic Rhinitis Treatment Plan to be used by your medical practitioner in helping you manage hay fever. It contains information on how to properly use the treatment recommended for you. This document is accessible and may be downloaded on this ASCIA’s website link.
Managing Hay Fever by Immunotherapy
Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia(“A&AA”) considers immunotherapy recommended for those with persistent or difficult-to-control symptoms. An allergy specialist may provide this treatment through the following forms:
- Injections.
- Drops.
- Wafer.
- Tablet.
Further information about immunotherapy may be found on an A&AA link which also discusses this treatment’s possible side effects or allergic reactions. It includes minor to more serious allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis. It may occur after immunotherapy is conducted or when exposed to an allergen, which may unexpectedly happen at any time.
The Most Severe Allergic Reaction – Anaphylaxis
A&AA’s discussion about Anaphylaxis considers it potentially life-threatening and must be treated with immediate treatment. It involves the administration of adrenaline according to the individual’s Action Plan.
However, they mention that this first aid response is delayed or not performed when the allergic reaction occurs away from home, which leads to fatalities. It may be due to many reasons, one of which may be the absence of a first aider who possesses the skills and knowledge in performing anaphylaxis first aid management and other responses.
First Aid Course for Anaphylaxis Management
Training.gov.au. identifies the said skills and knowledge and are included in a 22300VIC – Course in First Aid Management of Anaphylaxis. Training.gov.au is the National Register on Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Australia that is managed by the country’s Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.
The 22300VIC – Course in First Aid Management of Anaphylaxis is part of our Combined asthma & anaphylaxis Course that is highly recommended to anyone working or caring for children or those at high risk of allergies.
Course Duration
We offer this course at the following durations:
- 1.5 hours express assessment at your workplace.
- 1-2 hours of pre-course online home study is required.
The completion of the pre-course online theory is required.
Course Fee
Our first aid courses are available at the following prices:
- Discount courses from $99 (RRP $99).
- An additional surcharge fee of $20 for phone bookings.
We also have a price-beat promo of 20% if Terms and Conditions are met.
Course Location
Attending the 22300VIC – Course in First Aid Management of Anaphylaxis is available in our training locations. We can also come to you by sending a trainer to your workplace/organisation to conduct a customized training session.
Course Delivery
The combined course will be delivered in 3 hours.
Conclusion
Reducing exposure to triggers, medications, and immunotherapy are options in managing hay fever. Identifying which may work for each individual may be done after a health professional diagnoses hay fever based on the symptoms. These may occur after being exposed to allergens which may happen anytime, including post-immunotherapy. Since it may include a severe allergic reaction like anaphylaxis, treating it with the proper first aid response may help prevent fatalities. Anaphylaxis management requires the skills and knowledge identified by Training.gov.au covered in our 22578VIC Course in First Aid Management of Anaphylaxis.
