Nick Schultz, from Federation University’s school of applied and biomedical sciences, said allergy seasons were setting in earlier and lasting longer due to warmer weather patterns. 

“Higher temperatures mean some plants will have higher protein counts, which ultimately means the levels of protein on each piece of pollen is greater,” said Dr Schultz, who is also a trained botanist.

“And it is this protein which causes the allergic reaction.”

Referring to plant phenology, which is the timing of what happens inside a plant, Dr Schultz said pollen was now being released earlier in some plants due to warmer temperatures.

“And obviously this results in a longer allergy season,” he said. 

Janet Rimmer, a respiratory physician and allergist, has also researched the link between climate change and allergies. 

“Global warming is likely to cause an increase in the abundance of tropical and subtropical grasses as they will be able to grow further south,” Dr Rimmer wrote in Medicine Today.

“Additional effects of global warming may include earlier seasons, higher pollen loads and possibly more allergenic pollen.” 

Local hayfever sufferers Rebecca Mahoney, 29, and Brendan Cowie, 21, agreed their symptoms had set in almost two months earlier this year. 

“It is definitely getting earlier and earlier,” Mr Cowie said. 

“And it makes sense that pollens are thriving in warmer weather.”

Ms Mahoney said it was becoming difficult to deal with such long allergy seasons. 

“It was bad enough and now it just seems to be starting sooner,” she said. 

Ballarat doctor Tony Bongiorno, who is also a member of Ballarat’s The Hayfever Clinic, said there were now other options to treat its symptoms. 

“The Hayfever Clinic uses immunotherapy to stop your hayfever by using the same natural substances you are allergic to,” Dr Bongiorno said. 

“The immunotherapy we use is either in the form of drops or a tablet you put under your tongue and can cure your hayfever for up to 12 years.

“It allows you to go outside and enjoy spring rather than stay inside dreading it.”

The regular range of treatments used to reduce symptoms includes over-the-counter antihistamines and nasal sprays. 

Other tips for avoiding symptoms include staying inside on windy days, wearing sunglasses while outdoors and paying attention to local allergy counts, which can be found on most weather forecasting websites.

patrick.byrne@fairfaxmedia.com.au