Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic Rhinitis, or hay fever, is a common condition

Allergic rhinitis, often known as hay fever, affects 1 in 4 Australians and is a common condition caused by the immune system overreacting to substances in the environment, such as dust mite, grass/pollen, animal dander, or mould. When exposed to these allergens, the body releases histamine that leads to symptoms such as sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, itchy eyes, and throat irritation.

Allergic rhinitis can occur persistently all year around (mostly caused by house dust mite) or seasonally (usually triggered by grasses/ pollens). Although not life-threatening, it can significantly affect sleep, concentration, and quality of life. Children and adults alike may experience fatigue, poor school or work performance, and worsening of asthma or sinus problems.

Diagnosis is based on a detailed clinical history and may be supported by allergy testing such as skin prick testing or specific IgE blood tests.

Treatment aims to reduce exposure to allergens and control symptoms. Regular use of non-sedating antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroid sprays, and saline rinses can be highly effective. If symptoms are impacting on your wellbeing, allergen immunotherapy (desensitisation) may offer long-term relief by modifying the body’s immune response to allergens.

With our appropriate management, most people achieve good symptom control and lead healthy, active lives. Consulting an allergy specialist helps tailor treatment to each person’s specific triggers and lifestyle.

Food Challenges

Questions? We got you.

How do I book an appointment?

The first step in booking an appointment is to obtain a referral from your GP or another specialist. While a referral is not required, having one enables you to claim applicable Medicare rebates and helps our team appropriately triage your condition for review. Once you have your referral, you can schedule an appointment by booking online or contacting our practice directly and uploading your referral – our team will be in touch to schedule an appointment

Please bring a valid referral letter, Medicare card, and any recent investigation results, previous skin prick or patch testing reports, and relevant medical correspondence. For children, bringing their red book with recent growth measurements is also helpful.

Avoid antihistamines for 3–5 days before your appointment, as they can affect skin testing. You may continue nose sprays, asthma medications, antibiotics, and steroid creams. Do not apply moisturisers or topical steroids on areas likely to be tested (for example forearms, legs, back).

If you are suffering from a condition that you need to take oral anti histamines or steroids to control to manage your symptoms, continue to take those medications. Our doctors can arrange other forms of testing if required after the consultation.

Initial appointments approximately take around an hour, which may include skin prick testing if required. Follow-up appointments are typically shorter.

We prefer face-to-face appointments but we also offer telehealth consultations for selected patients or circumstances.

Harmony Allergy & Immunology Clinic is conveniently accessible by public transport, including Translink bus services. The Sunnybank clinic offers free onsite parking and street parking is also available around the Sunnybank hospital.

Skin prick testing applies a small amount of allergen (commercial extract or fresh food) to the skin which is then gently pricked to check for a reaction. The test takes 1–2 minutes, with results read after 15–20 minutes. Your doctor will determine if it’s appropriate for you.

Allergy testing is done by trained staff in a fully equipped medical setting. Reactions are rare, usually limited to mild itchiness at the test site, and can be promptly treated if needed.

Ensure you are well and avoid antihistamines 3–5 days before the test. Bring entertainment (toys, books, iPad, laptops) and for children, their favourite foods. You may need to bring the food or drug being tested which the staff will advise. We do not recommend bringing siblings; if necessary, bring an extra support person.

Ensure you are well before your appointment. You will be monitored by a health practitioner for at least 30 minutes after your immunotherapy dose. If taking your medication or vaccine home, please bring a small cooler with ice pack.

Are you ready to request an appointment?

Schedule a consultation with our experts to discuss your allergy needs.