When to see your GP or allergist

If your hayfever symptoms are becoming difficult to live with, it may be a good idea  to see a healthcare professional.

It is not easy living with hayfever, especially if your symptoms are interfering with  sleep and daily activities such as work or school.^1-3

If you have tried hayfever treatments and they are not controlling your symptoms,  talking with a GP can help.² It is also recommended that you see a GP if you have  other ongoing respiratory conditions such as asthma.⁴ As uncontrolled hayfever can  worsen asthma, it is important you discuss both conditions with your GP so you are  clear on your treatment plan to manage both conditions.

Your GP may also decide to refer you to an allergy specialist.¹

You may be referred to an allergist, also called clinical immunology or allergy  specialist. This may be recommended if:^4,5

• Hayfever symptoms are severe or constant
• Hayfever medicines do not provide effective relief or cause intolerable side effects
• It is difficult to avoid the allergen that triggers your hayfever (e.g., Pollen)
• You have a work-related allergy (e.g., A vet nurse with pet dander allergy)
• You have complex allergic disease (e.g., Allergic rhinitis and asthma or eczema)
• You were previously diagnosed with anaphylaxis or other types of allergies, such as  to food or medicines