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    respiratory

    Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)

    Also known as: hay fever, allergic rhinitis, seasonal allergies, pollen allergy

    Allergic rhinitis causes sneezing, itchy eyes and a runny or blocked nose, seasonally or year-round. Chinese medicine treats it as Bì Qiū with Lung Qi deficiency, Spleen Qi deficiency or Wind invasion patterns. Conventional care (antihistamines, nasal sprays) remains first-line.

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    Lifestyle & Diet

    • •Check pollen forecasts and keep windows closed on high-pollen days.
    • •Shower and change clothes after being outdoors in pollen season.
    • •Use a saline nasal rinse to clear allergens.
    • •Antihistamines and nasal steroid sprays remain first-line — Chinese medicine works alongside them.

    Cautions & Contraindications

    See sources
    • •Do not advise stopping prescribed antihistamines or nasal sprays.[]
    • •Cang Er Zi must be processed and dosed correctly; never use raw.[]

    When to reassess or seek care again

    See sources

    Review each season. Track symptom scores, medication use and sleep. If symptoms persist year-round or worsen, suggest allergy testing via the GP.

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    Sources & Further Reading

    Clinical guidance, red flags and safety notes on this page draw on the following current sources alongside the classical references above.

    1. Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) — Healthdirect
      Healthdirect Australia · 2024
    2. Allergic rhinitis — ASCIA
      Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy · 2024
    3. Allergic rhinitis — NICE CKS
      NICE · 2023
    4. Chinese medicine practitioner safety standards
      AHPRA / Chinese Medicine Board of Australia · 2024

    Educational reference for licensed practitioners. Not a substitute for individual clinical assessment. Refer to conventional care for any red-flag or undiagnosed presentation.