My-ENT

Condition

Patient with hayfever and allergic rhinitis symptoms in an ENT clinic setting.

Hayfever and Allergic Rhinitis

Clinical term: Allergic Rhinitis

Hayfever and allergic rhinitis (allergic rhinitis) describe an immune response that causes inflammation of the nasal lining when a person is exposed to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mould. Symptoms can be seasonal, year-round, or triggered by specific environments. While common, persistent allergic rhinitis can significantly affect sleep and day-to-day wellbeing.

Symptoms

What patients often notice

  • Frequent sneezing, particularly on waking or in response to specific environments or seasons.
  • Itchy, runny, or persistently blocked nose.
  • Post-nasal drip causing throat clearing or a persistent tickly cough.
  • Itchy or watery eyes during periods of high pollen or allergen exposure.
  • Waking unrefreshed due to nasal congestion at night.
  • Reduced sense of smell during periods of significant nasal swelling.

Causes

Why this can happen

The immune system overreacting to a harmless substance - such as pollen, dust mites, or pet hair - triggering inflammation in the nasal lining each time it is encountered.

Seasonal triggers including grass, tree, and weed pollens, producing symptoms that follow predictable patterns throughout the year.

Year-round triggers such as house dust mite, cockroach allergen, and pet dander, producing symptoms that persist regardless of season.

A family history of allergy, asthma, or eczema - an inherited tendency toward atopic conditions is common in people with allergic rhinitis.

Bousquet J et al. ARIA 2019 update. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2019;144(5):1308-1316. Fokkens WJ et al. EPOS 2020. Rhinology. 2020;58(Suppl S29):1-464.

When to seek help

When to arrange review

Arrange specialist review when allergy symptoms are disrupting sleep, work, or daily activity, or when they have not responded adequately to antihistamines and nasal sprays available over the counter. ENT review is also helpful when it is unclear whether symptoms are primarily allergic or have a structural contributor such as a deviated septum.

Request an appointment

Treatment

Treatment overview

Management typically begins with identifying triggers, structured nasal care, and medical therapy. Where a structural contributor such as enlarged turbinates is present, addressing it can improve the response to allergy treatment. Immunotherapy referral may be considered in appropriate cases following specialist assessment.

Pre-appointment

Prepare for your appointment.

If you are attending My-ENT for a nose or sinus concern, our pre-appointment questionnaire helps our clinical team prepare for your consultation. It takes most patients four to six minutes to complete.

Complete the sinus questionnaire

Choosing your surgeon

Choosing your surgeon

Choosing the right specialist takes thought. Fellowship training, experience with the relevant condition, and contribution to teaching and research are all meaningful indicators. A public appointment at a tertiary hospital is another recognised marker of professional standing. Online reviews can be helpful, but they don't tell the whole story.