Allergic rhinitis can occur seasonally (commonly referred to as 'hay fever') or throughout the year. Allergic rhinitis is triggered by an allergic reaction. The symptoms may include a runny or blocked nose and/or sneezing and watery eyes. Allergic rhinitis is triggered by an allergic reaction to outdoor or indoor allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, or tiny flecks of skin and saliva shed by cats, dogs, and other animals with fur or feather.

  • Cat. no: PHE 257
Findings from this report:
  • Nearly 1 in 5 Australians (more than 4.6 million people) had allergic rhinitis in 2017–18

  • ACT had the highest rate of allergic rhinitis in Australia (29%) in 2017–18

  • Children were less likely to have allergic rhinitis

  • NT had the lowest rate of allergic rhinitis in Australia (14%) in 2017–18