Allergic Rhinitis Treatment in Sydney

Allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, is inflammation of the nasal lining triggered by an immune response to airborne allergens such as pollen, dust mites, mould spores or animal dander. It causes sneezing, nasal itching, congestion and a watery runny nose, and affects approximately one in five Australians.

Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis symptoms range from mild and intermittent to severe and persistent. Key symptoms include:

Repeated bouts of sneezing
Itchy nose, palate and throat
Clear, watery nasal discharge (rhinorrhoea)
Nasal congestion and blocked breathing
Itchy, red, watery eyes (allergic conjunctivitis)
Post-nasal drip and throat clearing
Dark circles under the eyes (allergic shiners)
Reduced sense of smell
Fatigue, poor concentration and disturbed sleep

Seasonal allergic rhinitis is triggered primarily by grass, tree or weed pollens, while perennial (year-round) rhinitis is more commonly driven by dust mites, mould or pet dander.

Causes and Triggers

Allergic rhinitis occurs when the immune system overreacts to normally harmless airborne substances. Common triggers in Australia include:

Grass pollen: the most common trigger in eastern Australia, peaking in spring and early summer
Tree pollen: birch, oak and cypress (late winter to spring)
Dust mites: present year-round in bedding, carpets and upholstered furniture
Mould spores: thrive in humid conditions, both indoors and outdoors
Animal dander: proteins in skin flakes, saliva and urine from cats, dogs and other pets
Occupational allergens: flour dust, latex, wood dust and chemicals

Diagnosis

Clinical assessment: Your ENT specialist will review your symptom pattern, triggers, family history and response to prior treatments. Nasal endoscopy assesses the degree of mucosal swelling, turbinate enlargement and any secondary complications such as polyps or sinusitis.

Skin prick testing: Central Sydney ENT offers on-site skin prick allergy testing. Small amounts of common allergens are applied to the forearm and results are read within 15 to 20 minutes, identifying your specific triggers to guide targeted treatment.

Blood tests: Specific IgE blood tests may be ordered when skin testing is not suitable or when further allergy profiling is needed.

Treatment Options

Allergen Avoidance

Reducing exposure to identified triggers is the foundation of management. Strategies include dust mite encasings for bedding, high-efficiency air filters, keeping windows closed during high pollen periods, and minimising contact with pet allergens.

Medical Therapy

Intranasal corticosteroid sprays: the most effective first-line treatment for moderate-to-severe symptoms
Non-sedating antihistamines: for sneezing, itching and runny nose
Saline nasal irrigation: daily rinsing to flush allergens and clear mucus
Antihistamine eye drops: for allergic conjunctivitis
Leukotriene receptor antagonists: adjunctive therapy for patients with concurrent asthma

Allergen Immunotherapy (Desensitisation)

For patients who do not achieve adequate control with medication, allergen immunotherapy offers long-term modification of the allergic response. Available as subcutaneous injections or sublingual drops/tablets, immunotherapy gradually reduces sensitivity to specific allergens over a three- to five-year course, providing lasting relief even after treatment is discontinued.

Surgical Options

When allergic rhinitis causes chronic turbinate enlargement that does not respond to medical therapy, turbinate reduction surgery can widen the nasal airway. This may be performed alone or in combination with septoplasty for optimal breathing. Surgery treats the structural consequence of chronic inflammation but does not cure the underlying allergy.

When to See an ENT Specialist

Over-the-counter antihistamines and sprays are not controlling your symptoms
Allergic rhinitis is significantly affecting your sleep, work or study
You are developing complications such as recurrent sinus infections or nasal polyps
You want allergy testing to identify your specific triggers
You are considering immunotherapy for long-term desensitisation

Related Conditions

Chronic Sinusitis: allergic rhinitis is a major risk factor for chronic sinus disease
Nasal Polyps: chronic allergic inflammation can lead to polyp formation
Deviated Septum: structural narrowing compounds allergic congestion

Common Questions

Allergic Rhinitis FAQ

What is the difference between allergic rhinitis and a cold? +

A cold is caused by a viral infection and typically resolves within 7 to 10 days, often with coloured nasal discharge and sometimes a sore throat or fever. Allergic rhinitis is caused by an immune reaction to allergens and produces clear watery discharge, sneezing, and itching that can persist for weeks or months, particularly during pollen seasons.

Can allergic rhinitis lead to sinusitis? +

Yes. Chronic allergic inflammation swells the nasal lining and can block the sinus drainage pathways, increasing the risk of both acute and chronic sinusitis. Effective management of allergic rhinitis reduces the frequency of sinus infections.

What allergy tests are available at Central Sydney ENT? +

Central Sydney ENT offers on-site skin prick testing, which screens for common environmental allergens including grass, tree and weed pollens, dust mite, mould, and animal dander. Results are available within 15 to 20 minutes and help guide targeted treatment.

When should I see an ENT specialist for hay fever? +

See an ENT specialist if your allergic rhinitis does not respond to over-the-counter antihistamines and nasal sprays, if you have concurrent sinus infections or nasal polyps, if symptoms significantly impact your sleep or daily functioning, or if you are considering immunotherapy for long-term management.

Is there a permanent cure for allergic rhinitis? +

There is no absolute cure, but allergen immunotherapy (desensitisation) can significantly reduce sensitivity to specific allergens over time, providing long-lasting relief even after treatment stops. Medical and surgical management can effectively control symptoms for most patients.