Environmental scientists are warning Queensland asthmatics and hayfever sufferers of a higher and longer than normal pollen season.
Back-to-back La Niña events have allowed many grasses and flowers to burst.
But having native plants in the garden could help reduce problems for snifflers, according to researchers.
University of Queensland associate professor in environmental epidemiology Nicholas Osborne said official pollen statistics for Queensland were yet to be finalised.
"We're thinking it might be a bumper [pollen] crop this year, but it's very hard to predict," he said.
"We are still trying to work out what environmental factors like heat, sunshine and water actually produces more pollen.
"But also if the pollen itself that is produced may be more allergenic."
Inside each pollen molecule, there are small proteins which the human body rejects.
Common symptoms are a running nose, red eyes and wheezing as a means for the body to be rid the proteins.
Every person has the potential to suffer an allergic reaction, although some are more susceptible.
According to Dr Osborne, grasses are major culprits, but tree pollen and fungal spores can also cause havoc.
"Introduced species tend to be more allergenic," he said.
"Our native species, although people can develop symptoms to some, are not as common."
Key to sneezing lies in the garden
For those who want to reduce their risk, Toowoomba horticultural consultant Mike Wells said the key to a productive native garden was to plan ahead.
"If we're likely to have another wet season, then you have to be picky as to what you plant," he said.
"It's important for a gardener to step back and work out what areas of their garden are going to remain wet.
"A lot of Western Australian native plants are a no-no if we're having an extended wet season, along with proteas."
For people wanting to mimic an English-cottage style garden with natives, Mr Wells suggested small perennial plants may be the answer.
"Something like correas or the little myrtles will do the job," he said.
"For bigger trees, you could look for mid-sized Australian native trees such as brush box and water gum or Tristaniopsis."
Mr Wells said it was difficult to come up with a long list of native plants that could resemble the same look as foreign species.
"People maybe should think about changing the style of their garden.
"When choosing whether to plant natives that will lower your risk of hayfever, make sure to be careful of what your soil type is.
"There are plenty of lists on the internet that will tell you what natives are low allergen. But if they'll grow in your region is another matter."
Garden-city turns into wheeze-central
University of Southern Queensland plant microbe scientist John Dearnaley knows the hayfever season all too well.
Residing in the 'Garden City' of Queensland, Toowoomba, Dr Dearnaley has witnessed a flurry of allergic reactions, particularly following the city's month-long Carnival of Flowers festival.
"It's been a nightmare couple of weeks for hayfever sufferers," he said.
"Sometimes wet weather may dampen the pollen and pull it from the air.
"But what we are finding, especially with grass pollen, is a heavy downpour will actually cause the pollen grains to burst."
Dr Dearnaley said much of the city's parks and pathways which are lined with exotic and flowering plants had been causing the most trouble.
He said its fix was to plant more native trees.
"The reason Australian natives don't cause as much hay-fever, is that its pollen proteins form in clumps," he said.
"They of course will give you allergies if they get in your nose. But they are less likely to get in your nose.
"They're pollinated by birds and mammals rather than single pollen grains that are carried by the wind."
Toowoomba GP Grace Zhang said the area was an epicentre for allergens.
"We have the [mountain] range and a lot of the fields, which brings with it the sand and the dust to the Toowoomba area," Dr Zhang said.
Dr Zhang said symptoms that may come from long-term hayfever could include fatigue and sleep disturbance.
The GP advised anyone suffering from symptoms to try antihistamines and refer to their doctor.
"There's other things that we can do, like finding out what your allergens are, like cleaning products and animal hair," she said.
"Overbites and gestation disturbance can also create a difference to the way people breathe."
