Pollen is a common trigger of allergic rhinitis, more widely known as hay fever. Allergic rhinitis is one of the most prevalent allergic conditions in Australia, affecting around one in five people. Despite its name, hay fever is not caused by hay and does not cause a fever.

Allergic rhinitis occurs when the nose and/or eyes come into contact with allergens in the environment. Common allergens include pollens from grasses, weeds, and trees, which are often present in higher amounts during certain seasons.

When a person with allergic rhinitis is exposed to pollen, their immune system overreacts to this normally harmless substance. This reaction triggers inflammation and leads to symptoms such as sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, itchy nose or throat, and watery or itchy eyes.

For people who are allergic, ongoing or repeated exposure to pollen can also affect the eyes, leading to allergic conjunctivitis. This condition causes redness, itching, watering, and swelling of the eyes and frequently occurs alongside allergic rhinitis.