Hayfever & Allergic Rhinitis

What is Hayfever & Allergic Rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis occurs when your nose has an increased sensitivity to allergens in the environment. Common allergens include house dust mite, grass & pollens, animal fur, moulds & fungus. Other elements in the environment (smoke, chemicals, temperature change) can also cause irritation in the nose (non-allergic rhinitis). In Sydney, this is a very common condition that affects both the paediatric and adult population.

What are the symptoms of Hayfever & Allergic Rhinitis?

Sneezing, itchy eyes, itchy nose, runny nose, sniffing, nasal congestion, blocked nose

How do you treat Hayfever & Allergic Rhinitis?

Once we’ve identified the allergen (or allergies), treatment can involve both pharmacological and surgical options.  Allergy avoidance strategies is the first line of treatment and this is often supplemented with targeted nasal sprays and oral medication. If nasal obstruction is the primary symptom then surgery can be used to unblock the nose and relieve the runny nose (rhinorrhoea). Immunotherapy is used to desensitise the nose and can be used concurrently or when other measures have failed.

What does surgery/treatment involve?

Surgery is used to to unblock the nose, relieve the rhinorrhoea and create the space to deliver sprays more effectively into the nose. In adults this is typically surgery to remove the turbinates (turbinoplasty) and straighten the septum (septoplasty). In children, often the adenoids need to be removed (adenoidectomy) and the turbinates made smaller. 

Although very low risk, all potential risks and complications will be discussed in detail before proceeding with any operation.