Spring allergies in Sydney: when to see an ENT specialist
Spring can bring weeks of sneezing, itchy eyes and a blocked nose. If hay fever is affecting your sleep, work or time outdoors, speak with your GP about treatment and whether an ENT referral could help.
At Denistone 52 ENT in Eastwood, we assess nasal and sinus problems, including persistent congestion that may accompany allergies.
Why do allergies flare up in spring?
Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, happens when your immune system reacts to airborne allergens. Grass, tree and weed pollens can trigger seasonal symptoms. Other allergens, such as dust mites, mould and animal dander, can cause symptoms throughout the year.
Common symptoms include sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, an itchy nose and itchy, watery eyes. Some people also notice mucus running down the back of their throat.
What can help with hay fever?
Your GP or pharmacist can help you choose treatment suited to your symptoms. Options may include non-drowsy antihistamines, a corticosteroid nasal spray or a combination nasal spray. Correct technique and regular use are particularly important with corticosteroid sprays.
Check local pollen forecasts and reduce exposure when pollen levels are high. Keeping windows closed on windy, high-pollen days and avoiding mowing may help. Ask your pharmacist before using a decongestant nasal spray: using one for longer than a few days can make congestion worse.
When should you ask your GP about an ENT referral?
Book a GP appointment if symptoms keep returning, treatment is not helping, or congestion is disturbing your sleep and daily activities.
An ENT assessment may be useful if you have persistent nasal blockage, a reduced sense of smell or recurring sinus symptoms. These symptoms can have causes other than allergies, so an assessment can help clarify what is happening.
How can an ENT specialist help?
An ENT specialist can assess both inflammation and physical causes of nasal blockage, such as a deviated septum or nasal polyps.
Your consultation may include a review of your symptoms, medicines and previous treatment. If appropriate, your specialist may recommend nasal endoscopy, using a thin instrument with a light and camera to examine inside your nose. This can help identify swelling, polyps or other causes of persistent symptoms.
Treatment depends on the findings. It may involve adjusting medication or investigating another nasal or sinus condition. If allergy testing or desensitisation treatment is appropriate, your doctor can discuss assessment by a clinical immunology and allergy specialist.
Seeing an ENT specialist does not automatically mean surgery. Surgery may be considered for selected structural or sinus problems when appropriate, but it does not cure the underlying allergy.
Speak with your GP this spring
If a blocked nose or recurring sinus symptoms are making spring uncomfortable, ask your GP whether a referral to Denistone 52 ENT would be appropriate.
Our practice is at 52 Denistone Road, Eastwood NSW 2122, opposite Ryde Hospital. To arrange an appointment, email your referral to info@d52ent.com.au or call (02) 9874 0347.
This article provides general information and does not replace individual medical advice.
