Question 1

Can allergies suddenly start in adulthood even if I never had hay fever before?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is possible to develop allergies for the first time as an adult, even if childhood passed without hay fever. Over time, your immune system can become sensitised to Melbourne and Victorian allergens such as grass pollen, dust mites or pet dander. Once this threshold is reached, you may suddenly begin to notice itchy eyes, sneezing, a runny nose or a tickly throat each spring or summer.

Because adult onset symptoms can resemble a lingering cold or sinus infection, they are sometimes mislabelled for years. If your so called colds keep recurring at the same time each year, or are clearly worse on high pollen days or after being outdoors, it is sensible to discuss the possibility of allergic rhinitis with your GP or an ENT specialist at Melbourne ENT.

Question 2

Why do my "summer colds" always seem to start after I mow the lawn or visit the park?

Accepted Answer

If your symptoms reliably flare after mowing, gardening, walking in the park or watching sport outdoors, allergies are more likely than a series of new colds. Cutting grass stirs up large amounts of pollen and plant particles, particularly in suburban Melbourne. For someone with grass pollen sensitivity, this can trigger sudden sneezing, nasal congestion, eye irritation and a tickly throat that feel very similar to a cold.

True colds usually appear a day or two after close contact with someone who is already unwell, and they follow a more gradual pattern. If your nose and throat feel much better on rainy days, in winter or when you have been indoors with windows closed, that is another clue that pollen related allergy may be the main driver. An ENT review can help confirm this and guide a treatment plan that lets you keep enjoying outdoor activities with fewer symptoms.

Question 3

Can poorly controlled allergies make my snoring or sleep apnoea worse?

Accepted Answer

Yes, nasal congestion from allergies can contribute to snoring and sleep disordered breathing. When the nose is blocked, you are more likely to breathe through your mouth. Mouth breathing changes the shape and stability of the airway at the back of the throat during sleep, which can increase vibration and collapse, especially in people who already have a narrow airway.

If you or your partner notice that snoring is much louder or more frequent during Melbourne’s pollen season, or when hay fever is active, improved allergy control may make a noticeable difference. At Melbourne ENT, Dr Stephen Kleid and Dr Simon Braham can assess how much of your snoring or suspected sleep apnoea is related to nasal congestion and how much is due to tonsils, adenoids or other structural factors, then suggest appropriate treatment options.

Question 4

My child seems to have a runny nose and sore throat all summer. How do I know if they are just "a bit sicky" or need their tonsils and adenoids checked?

Accepted Answer

Children commonly have frequent infections, but certain patterns suggest that tonsils or adenoids may need closer attention. These include multiple episodes of high fever and severe throat pain each year, significant time off school, difficulty swallowing, very large tonsils visible in the mouth, loud snoring, pauses in breathing at night or daytime tiredness and behavioural changes.

If your child seems constantly unwell through summer, breathes mainly through their mouth or has disturbed sleep, it is reasonable to talk with your GP about an ENT referral. At Melbourne ENT, children are assessed gently. The surgeon examines the size and health of the tonsils and adenoids, listens carefully to the history and then discusses whether watchful waiting, medical treatment or surgery is the most appropriate path.

Question 5

My throat is often sore in summer but tests for infection are negative. Could this still be related to allergies or my nose?

Accepted Answer

A persistent sore or scratchy throat during summer, especially with negative swabs for bacterial infection, can indeed be related to the nose and sinuses. Allergic rhinitis can cause continuous post nasal drip, where mucus trickles down the back of the throat and irritates the lining. Dry indoor air, air conditioning, talking loudly and frequent throat clearing can all add to the irritation.

Other factors such as reflux from the stomach or voice strain can overlap with allergy. An ENT assessment can help tease out these different contributors. By examining the nose, throat and voice box, and reviewing the pattern of symptoms, Melbourne ENT can advise whether allergy treatment, voice care, reflux management or structural surgery is likely to offer the best relief.

Question 6

Could my air conditioning, heating or workplace environment be making my nose and throat symptoms worse, even if I also have allergies or colds?

Accepted Answer

Yes, indoor environments can amplify nose and throat problems that begin with allergies or viruses. Air conditioning can dry the nose and throat, making mucus thicker and harder to clear. Recirculated air in offices or shops may concentrate dust, fumes or other irritants. In some Melbourne workplaces, exposure to chemicals or fine particles can further irritate the airways.

If your symptoms are noticeably worse at work or in certain buildings and improve when you are away, it suggests that environment plays a role. Simple steps such as using saline nasal sprays, staying well hydrated and improving ventilation can help. If problems persist, particularly with chronic cough or voice change, an ENT review can check for any structural or inflammatory changes and guide further action.

Question 7

Is there any point seeing an ENT specialist if my symptoms come and go and I sometimes feel "normal" on the day of the appointment?

Accepted Answer

It is very common for nose and throat symptoms to fluctuate. Many people find that on the day they finally see a specialist, their hay fever has settled or their latest cold is improving. Even so, the appointment is still valuable. The detailed history you provide about the timing, triggers, frequency and impact of your symptoms is often just as important as what is seen on examination.

Even if your nose and throat appear relatively calm on the day, an ENT specialist at Melbourne ENT can assess structural features such as the septum, turbinates, tonsils and adenoids, and look for signs of long term inflammation or scarring. They can also review previous test results from your GP. Together, this information builds a clearer picture of why your summer symptoms keep returning and what can be done to reduce their impact over the long term.

Tag: Summer Allergies

Summer Allergies vs Colds: How to Tell the Difference (and When to See an ENT in Melbourne)