At Melbourne ENT, located in St Kilda East, Victoria, we specialise in the expert management of nasal and sinus conditions, including allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever. Our highly experienced ENT and Head & Neck Surgeons, Dr Stephen Kleid and Dr Simon Braham, are committed to providing personalised and evidence-based care. Allergic rhinitis is one of the most common and disruptive conditions we treat, and we approach it with a detailed and compassionate understanding of its impact on daily life, sleep, and overall health.
What Is Allergic Rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis is a condition in which the immune system reacts abnormally to environmental allergens such as pollen, dust mites, animal dander, and mould. This reaction causes inflammation in the nasal lining, leading to symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, congestion, and itchy eyes. In Australia, allergic rhinitis is especially prevalent during the spring and summer months, although many people suffer year-round due to ongoing indoor allergen exposure. This condition is not simply a nuisance – it can significantly interfere with sleep, productivity, and overall quality of life.
Common Symptoms Of Allergic Rhinitis
Patients commonly experience frequent sneezing, a persistently runny or blocked nose, and an itchy or irritated nasal cavity. Eye symptoms such as redness, watering, and puffiness are also frequent, particularly during high-pollen seasons. Throat irritation, coughing, and a sensation of mucus dripping down the back of the throat, known as post-nasal drip, are other common features. Over time, allergic rhinitis can disrupt sleep patterns, cause chronic fatigue, and impair concentration, making it more than just an inconvenience for many sufferers.
Who Is Affected By Allergic Rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis affects people of all ages but is most often diagnosed in childhood or adolescence. Those with a family history of asthma, eczema, or other allergic conditions are at higher risk. Urban dwellers, particularly those exposed to pollution or high pollen counts, may also be more susceptible. The condition may also be more severe in individuals with structural nasal problems, such as a deviated septum or enlarged turbinates, which can exacerbate congestion and reduce airflow. Repeated exposure to allergens in home, school, or work environments can prolong and intensify symptoms, leading to chronic discomfort and poor quality of life.
Diagnosis And Evaluation At Melbourne ENT
At Melbourne ENT, the evaluation of allergic rhinitis begins with a detailed consultation, where we take time to understand your symptoms, environmental exposures, and medical history. A physical examination is followed by nasal endoscopy, which allows us to view the nasal passages in detail and identify inflammation, structural deviations, or polyps. In selected cases, we may recommend allergy testing to confirm specific triggers or arrange a sinus CT scan to assess for coexisting chronic sinusitis or anatomical obstruction. Our comprehensive evaluation ensures we can differentiate between pure allergic causes and more complex presentations requiring combined management strategies.
Treatment Options For Allergic Rhinitis
Our treatment approach is tailored to each patient’s specific needs and severity of symptoms. Most individuals benefit from medical management, including the use of intranasal corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, antihistamines to control allergic reactions, and saline irrigation to cleanse the nasal passages. For persistent symptoms or multiple triggers, immunotherapy – administered as sublingual drops or injections – may offer long-term desensitisation.
When nasal obstruction or recurrent sinus infections are caused by anatomical issues, surgical treatment may be indicated. Procedures such as septoplasty (to correct a deviated nasal septum), turbinoplasty (to reduce turbinate size), or endoscopic sinus surgery can significantly improve nasal airflow and reduce the burden of symptoms. These surgeries are performed with precision and care by our experienced ENT surgeons, with the goal of restoring comfortable breathing and minimising reliance on medications.
When Is Surgery Recommended?
Surgical intervention is recommended when medical treatments fail to provide adequate relief or when structural abnormalities are identified as a major contributing factor to symptoms. Patients who continue to experience significant congestion, impaired sleep, or chronic sinus infections despite proper use of medications may benefit from surgery. At Melbourne ENT, we assess the need for surgery on a case-by-case basis, ensuring that the approach taken is necessary, proportionate, and aligned with the patient’s goals and lifestyle.
Recovery And Prognosis
Recovery from allergic rhinitis is often straightforward with medical management, and most patients experience significant improvement within a few weeks. For those undergoing surgery, recovery times vary depending on the procedure, but most individuals return to daily activities within 7 to 14 days. With proper post-operative care and long-term allergy management, patients typically enjoy improved breathing, better sleep, and reduced frequency of sinus infections. The prognosis is generally excellent, particularly when both the allergic and anatomical components of the condition are addressed.
Risks Or Complications If Left Untreated
Left untreated, allergic rhinitis can lead to chronic sinus infections, ongoing sleep disruption, reduced concentration, and exacerbation of asthma symptoms. In children, it may contribute to middle ear infections and hearing difficulties. Over time, untreated nasal congestion can promote mouth breathing and cause long-term facial development issues in younger patients. The impact on daily functioning, school performance, and general well-being can be significant. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment help prevent these complications and improve quality of life.
Why Choose Your Surgeon
Dr Stephen Kleid and Dr Simon Braham are both Fellows of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, with decades of experience in managing complex nasal and sinus conditions. Dr Kleid is known for his meticulous surgical technique and his longstanding commitment to ENT education and research. His clinical interests include airway reconstruction, nasal obstruction, and revision nasal surgery. Dr Braham brings advanced training and clinical insight into the management of nasal airflow disorders and allergy-related nasal conditions. He has a special interest in paediatric ENT surgery and minimally invasive nasal procedures. Both surgeons are committed to a patient-first approach that combines safety, function, and long-term outcomes. They work closely with each patient to ensure that their care plan is aligned with their health goals, lifestyle, and comfort.
FAQs About Allergic Rhinitis
Can allergic rhinitis develop in adults who have never had allergies before?
Yes, allergic rhinitis can develop later in life, even if you have never had allergies before. Environmental changes, immune shifts, or new exposures can trigger symptoms in adulthood.
Is there a difference between allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis if the symptoms feel similar?
Yes, while both can cause nasal congestion and pressure, allergic rhinitis is caused by an allergic response and often involves sneezing and itchy eyes. Chronic sinusitis is due to infection or inflammation and usually involves facial pain and thick nasal discharge.
How can I tell if my nasal congestion is due to an allergy or a structural issue in my nose?
An ENT evaluation is essential to differentiate. Allergies often come with sneezing and itching, while structural issues may present as persistent one-sided blockage or snoring, without other allergic symptoms.
Why do my symptoms seem worse at night or first thing in the morning?
Allergens like dust mites in bedding or environmental pollen levels can peak at night and early morning. Lying flat can also worsen post-nasal drip and congestion.
Can allergic rhinitis cause symptoms outside of the nose, like fatigue or ear fullness?
Yes, the chronic inflammation and poor sleep linked with allergic rhinitis can lead to fatigue. Ear fullness may occur due to Eustachian tube dysfunction from nasal congestion.
Is it possible for allergy symptoms to flare up even when I stay indoors most of the day?
Yes, indoor allergens like dust mites, mould, and pet dander can cause significant symptoms. Poor ventilation and closed environments may worsen exposure.
Can treating allergic rhinitis also improve my quality of sleep and reduce snoring?
Absolutely. Effective treatment can open nasal airways, reduce mouth breathing, and significantly improve sleep quality. Addressing nasal obstruction can also help reduce or eliminate snoring.
Sources:
- The effect of allergic rhinitis treatment on asthma control – Nature
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41533-024-00408-4 - Allergic rhinitis: diagnosis and treatment – The Pharmaceutical Journal
https://pharmaceutical-journal.com/article/feature/allergic-rhinitis-diagnosis-and-treatment - Allergic Rhinitis – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538186/ - A GRADE approach using the Allergic Rhinitis and Its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) 2024-2025 guidelines – ScienceDirect
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2213219825005380 - Recent Studies and Prospects of Biologics in Allergic Rhinitis – MDPI
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/26/10/4509 - Allergic rhinitis: Incidence and remission from childhood to young adulthood – PMC (NCBI)
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11963224/ - What Is Allergic Rhinitis? | Allergy and Clinical Immunology – JAMA
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2825326
Concerned About Allergic Rhinitis?
If you’re struggling with ongoing sneezing, congestion, sinus pressure, or disrupted sleep, our team at Melbourne ENT can help. We offer expert diagnosis, personalised treatment, and long-term management strategies to help you breathe better and live more comfortably. To schedule an appointment with Dr Stephen Kleid, please call (03) 9038 1630 or for consultations with Dr Simon Braham, please call (03) 9038 1311.
Further Reading
- Read about Melbourne ENT’s Rhinorrhea Melbourne
- Read about Melbourne ENT’s Sinusitis Melbourne
- Read about Melbourne ENT’s Sinus Surgery Melbourne
- Read about Melbourne ENT’s Nose Concerns and Conditions
