The tissue box emptied quickly, one onlooker rushed to get an ice pack, while others did a google search to learn more about the best treatment.

No it wasn't a crime scene, it was a simple nosebleed…and a drama queen in the lead role. That would be me. For the record it didn't seem simple at the time and it came out of nowhere.

A subsequent trip to the doctor and a thorough check revealed that the cause was a condition we all love to hate - but usually in spring - hay fever. That's right, hay fever at the tail end of summer - not unheard of, but certainly not expected.

The doctor assessing the situation assured - following an ear, nose and throat inspection - that it was a classic case of hay fever with all the telltale signs, including swelling and redness in the nostrils and, of course, that small wound where the nose bleed occurred. Furthermore, I could expect more nose bleeds until the affected vein in the nostril healed.

I was given an assurance that I would not bleed to death, as it was only a small vein, and taught how to manage any further nosebleeds should they occur.

After relaying the medical verdict to my concerned colleagues, some mentioned they had heard several people complain recently about suffering hay fever.

Then I realised that these cases seemed unusually out of sync with the seasons...or were they? I decided to find out more for all those who have been taken by surprise by a condition they usually suffer through spring.

I soon learned that while hayfever was generally associated with spring, when airborne grass pollens were at their peak, it could occur at any time of the year. When symptoms occur all year round, this is known as perennial allergic rhinitis.

Meanwhile, a chat with a local doctor revealed that late spring conditions in 2018 and recent winds that had carried dust and grass seeds hundreds of kilometres of late didn't help the situation.

In fact, he was not surprised that people were struggling with the common condition at this time of the year.

If you are suffering from such symptoms as sneezing, running and itching nose, an itchy dry throat or itching eyes - and possibly a blood nose - there is every chance you have hay fever. 

Sufferers can also feel generally listless and irritable and may find it difficult for concentrate. For the record, I believe I was being entirely pleasant.

According to the documentation provided to me by the doctor, the causes are airborne irritants that enter the nose, throat and eyes and cause sensitive cells to become active - rather like a dormant volcano erupting. Yep, can relate to the volcano reference.

Allergens can include pollen from trees and grass, house dust mites, moulds, hair, fur or feathers and even some foods such as milk, eggs or peanuts. 

And while it is not considered a serious disease, it can lead to asthma, nasal polyps and hearing problems.

This causes histamines which in turn causes all those unwelcome symptoms of hayfever.

The bad news - there is no cure.

The good news - there are treatments that help control the problem and relieve the symptoms.

Antihistamine tablets, saline nasal rinses, nasal sprays such as Beconase and Rhinocort are all suggested options from the doctor.

Some are mild treatments which can be purchased over the counter, while other, stronger treatments require a prescription from your general practitioner (GP).

Desensitisation programs can also be considered if the irritation becomes too unbearable.

Meanwhile, simple avoidance steps could also be valuable.

These include:

And if by chance your hay fever leads to a nose bleed, then the key to stopping the bleed is to sit upright - don't lean your head forward and don't tilt it back or lie down. Clasp your nose between your thumb and fingers (curled into the shape of a fist) and hold your nose tight, blocking the nostril and pushing on the area of the bleed. Breath through your mouth. 

According to the doctor, you should maintain this hold for 10 minutes. If the bleed doesn't stop, then hold it for another 10 minutes. If there is still no end to the nosebleed after 20 minutes, it is advisable to seek medical attention.

Good luck and here's hoping you have a quick recovery.