10 ปีกับ hay fever ในออสเตรเลีย — บทเรียนจากคนไทยที่ไม่รู้ตัวว่าแพ้

Khun O has lived with hay fever for more than 10 years. From just a bit of sneezing and a stuffy nose in spring, the symptoms gradually worsened until their nose was blocked at night, they weren't getting enough sleep, and it affected both their work and their mental health — a problem many Thais have without realising it, because in Thailand this condition barely exists. The approach that worked for them is taking antihistamines 'preemptively' from before spring begins, carrying a nasal spray, checking the pollen count before leaving the house, and avoiding outdoor activities in the morning. A Thai nurse on the program also suggested an easy way to tell it apart from a cold: hay fever has no fever, no body aches, and isn't contagious. If symptoms get worse or you already have asthma, see a GP promptly. (Adapted from the SBS Thai program, Oct. 2025)