Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever) and Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and chronic rhinosinusitis are among the most common causes of persistent nasal and sinus symptoms and can significantly impact sleep, concentration, work performance and quality of life.
Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
Allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, is an allergic condition caused by inflammation of the nasal lining in response to environmental allergens. Symptoms often include sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, post-nasal drip, itchy nose and watery or itchy eyes. Symptoms may be seasonal, particularly due to grass pollen exposure, or present year-round due to indoor allergens such as house dust mite or environmental triggers such as mould and animal dander. Allergic rhinitis is an immune-mediated condition and is often associated with other allergic diseases such as asthma, eczema or sinus inflammation.
Chronic rhinosinusitis
Chronic rhinosinusitis is a long-term inflammatory condition affecting the nasal passages and paranasal sinuses. It is defined by symptoms lasting more than 12 weeks and may occur with or without nasal polyps. Common symptoms include persistent nasal blockage, facial pressure or fullness, reduced sense of smell, thick nasal discharge, and recurrent or ongoing sinus infections. Chronic rhinosinusitis may occur alongside allergic rhinitis, but it can also occur independently as a separate inflammatory condition. Careful specialist assessment is often required to distinguish between allergic inflammation, chronic sinus disease and recurrent infection.
Relationship between allergy and sinus disease
Allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis frequently overlap, and patients may experience both conditions simultaneously. Ongoing nasal inflammation from allergens such as grass pollen or dust mite may contribute to impaired sinus drainage and worsening symptoms over time. A specialist immunology and allergy assessment can help clarify the underlying drivers of symptoms and guide targeted treatment.
Assessment and diagnosis
At Queensland Allergy & Immunology Clinic, we provide comprehensive assessment of nasal and sinus symptoms. This includes detailed clinical history, evaluation of symptom patterns and triggers, and allergy testing where appropriate. In selected cases, further investigation may be arranged to assess underlying allergic sensitisation or chronic inflammatory sinus disease.
Treatment and management
Management is individualised and depends on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms. Treatment may include intranasal corticosteroid sprays, antihistamines, saline nasal irrigation and avoidance of relevant allergens. For patients with significant allergic rhinitis, allergen immunotherapy (desensitisation) may be considered as a long-term treatment option to reduce sensitivity to allergens such as grass pollen and dust mite. In more complex cases of chronic rhinosinusitis, specialist immunology assessment may be required to evaluate underlying inflammatory or immune-related contributors.
Queensland Allergy & Immunology Clinic is a specialist allergy and clinical immunology clinic based in Birtinya on the Sunshine Coast, providing expert care for patients across the wider Sunshine Coast region including Kawana, Caloundra, Buderim, Maroochydore, Mooloolaba, Sippy Downs, Coolum, Noosa, Brisbane North, and surrounding areas. We provide both in-person consultations in Birtinya and telehealth appointments across Queensland, with short wait times for specialist allergy and immunology care.