Tonsillitis Myths: Why Ice Cream Is Not The Treatment
For many people who grew up in Melbourne and across Australia, and for many of…
Summer in Melbourne and across Victoria can be beautiful, but for many people it is also the time of year when their nose, sinuses and throat feel constantly irritated. Hot, windy days, sudden temperature changes and long hours in air conditioned environments or during travel place extra stress on the delicate lining of the upper airway. Adults and children may notice a blocked or stuffy nose, heavy sinus pressure, post nasal drip, sore or scratchy throat and a hoarse or tired voice, especially later in the day.
These symptoms are not random. Heat, dry air and even mild dehydration alter the way the nose, sinuses and throat work. The mucus that normally flows smoothly can become thicker and stickier, the lining can dry out and the tiny hairs that move mucus can slow down. For some people this means a few days of discomfort during the hottest weather. For others, particularly those with underlying sinus or allergy problems, summer becomes a season of persistent and sometimes disabling symptoms.
Melbourne ENT, based in St Kilda East, cares for patients from across Melbourne and regional Victoria who experience these problems. The practice is led by specialist surgeons Dr Stephen Kleid, ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon, and Dr Simon Braham, ENT surgeon with a special interest in nasal, sinus and facial surgery. Both have extensive experience in major public hospitals including the Royal Melbourne Hospital and the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, as well as many years in private practice.
This article explains in straightforward language how summer heat and dehydration affect the sinuses and throat, what you can do at home, and when it may be appropriate to seek specialist advice or consider sinus surgery. It is general information only and does not replace advice from your GP or a consultation with a specialist such as Dr Stephen Kleid or Dr Simon Braham at Melbourne ENT.
Under normal conditions, your nose and sinuses act as a built in air conditioning and filtration system for every breath you take. As air passes through the nose, it is warmed, humidified and filtered before it reaches the lungs. The inside of the nose and the lining of the sinuses are covered with a thin moisture rich layer of mucus. This mucus traps dust, pollen, pollution particles and germs so they can be removed rather than inhaled deeply into the lungs.
This mucus is usually thin and slippery, more like a light coating than a noticeable fluid. The lining is covered with microscopic hair like structures called cilia. These cilia move rhythmically, sweeping the mucus towards the back of the nose. Once it reaches the back of the nose and throat, it is swallowed without you being aware of it. This constant movement, called mucociliary clearance, is one of the body’s main cleaning systems for the upper airway. When it is working well, you rarely think about your nose or sinuses at all.
The throat and voice box, or larynx, sit just below the back of the nose. The throat is a shared passage for food and air. The larynx contains the vocal cords, two folds of tissue that open for breathing and come together and vibrate to produce sound. For speech and singing to feel easy and comfortable, the vocal cords require a smooth, moist surface. They are sensitive to dryness, irritation and thick mucus. Even a small change can produce throat discomfort, a husky voice or a feeling of strain.
During Melbourne’s summer months, several environmental factors change together and put pressure on this finely balanced system. Outdoor air can be hot and relatively dry, especially on windy days and during heatwaves. Many people move frequently between this environment and cool, dry air in air conditioned offices, shops, schools, cars and public transport. Every time you switch between these environments, your nose and sinuses are working harder to warm and humidify the air. The lining can lose moisture and become irritated and inflamed.
At the same time, it is very easy to become mildly dehydrated without realising it. Long work days, commuting, outdoor sport, time at the beach and summer social events all increase fluid loss. People often drink more coffee, tea, energy drinks or alcohol in hot weather, which can further contribute to dehydration. You might not feel extremely thirsty, but even a small reduction in your body’s water level can change the thickness of mucus in the nose and throat.
When the body is a little dry and the air is also lacking moisture, the mucus produced in the nose and sinuses becomes thicker and more glue like. Instead of flowing freely, it moves slowly and can cling to the lining. Some mucus may build up inside the nasal passages or sinuses and some may begin to trickle down the back of the nose. Patients often describe the feeling that something is stuck behind the nose that will not clear, or that they are constantly swallowing or coughing up small amounts of phlegm.
Not everyone is affected in the same way. People with chronic rhinosinusitis, nasal allergies such as hay fever, asthma or a deviated septum often notice that summer conditions strongly worsen their usual symptoms. Children have smaller nasal passages and may breathe through the mouth more often when hot or congested, which dries the throat and can aggravate snoring and disturbed sleep. Older adults and people with reflux, chronic cough or existing throat problems may find that the combination of dry air and dehydration amplifies those issues. A careful assessment at Melbourne ENT can help identify which factors are most important for each person.
One of the most frequent complaints in summer is a blocked or stuffy nose. As the lining of the nose dries and becomes inflamed, it swells and narrows the nasal passages. Thicker mucus adds to this narrowing. People often say that their nose feels blocked on both sides, or they may notice it is worse on one side, especially when lying down. They may have difficulty breathing comfortably through the nose and breathe more through the mouth, which can dry and irritate the throat.
When mucus does not clear properly from the sinuses, pressure begins to build. The sinuses in the cheeks, forehead and between the eyes are connected to the nasal cavity by small drainage pathways. If these openings are narrowed by swelling or thick secretions, air and mucus can become trapped. This can cause a feeling of heaviness or tightness in the face, pain around the eyes or upper teeth and a dull headache that is often worse when bending forward, coughing or lying flat.
For people who already have chronic rhinosinusitis or structural issues such as a markedly deviated septum, enlarged turbinates or nasal polyps, summer dryness can act as a trigger for repeated episodes of sinus trouble. They may notice that minor colds linger for weeks, that facial pressure is present most days or that courses of antibiotics provide only temporary relief. These patterns suggest an underlying problem that is more than just a seasonal irritation.
These symptoms can have a significant impact on daily life. Poor sleep from nasal blockage and sinus pressure can lead to daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating and reduced productivity at work or school. Children may become irritable or withdrawn. People might avoid outdoor activities, sport or social events they would otherwise enjoy because they feel unwell. For many families across Melbourne and Victoria, this ongoing disruption during the summer months is a major reason to seek ENT advice.
The throat reacts to this ongoing trickle of mucus with irritation. Many people begin to clear their throat frequently in an attempt to move the mucus. This throat clearing can become a habit and can itself irritate the vocal cords further. Others develop a dry, tickly cough that is worse at night or first thing in the morning. Some describe a persistent feeling of a lump in the throat. This sensation is often not painful but can be very annoying and worrisome.
Throat mucous does not exist in isolation. It may be linked to chronic sinus disease, ongoing nasal allergy, exposure to irritants such as smoke or pollution, or reflux from the stomach that inflames the throat and larynx. In many patients, more than one of these factors is present. If the drip and throat symptoms do not settle with simple home measures and basic treatments, it is sensible to discuss them with your GP. If necessary, your GP can refer you to an ENT specialist such as Dr Stephen Kleid or Dr Simon Braham at Melbourne ENT to explore the underlying causes and plan a targeted approach to treatment.
The vocal cords are highly sensitive to changes in moisture and environment. When you are well hydrated and breathing air with a comfortable level of humidity, the surface of the vocal cords remains smooth and lubricated. They can open and close rapidly with each vibration, producing clear sound with relatively little effort. In hot weather, especially during extended periods of high temperatures in Melbourne, the body loses more fluid through sweating and faster breathing. If this fluid is not replaced adequately, the surface of the vocal cords can become drier.
Dry, conditioned air in offices, classrooms, shops and vehicles compounds this problem. As you breathe this air for many hours, the lining of the throat and larynx loses moisture. The vocal cords then require more effort to vibrate. People notice that their voice sounds husky or rough, that speaking feels tiring or that their voice is softer or less reliable by the end of the day. Professional voice users such as teachers, sales staff, performers and call centre workers often feel this most strongly, because their vocal cords are already working hard.
Certain common behaviours in summer can add to voice strain. Talking for long periods over loud background noise at parties, concerts or restaurants means you must raise your voice repeatedly. Cheering at sporting events or shouting to be heard outdoors adds bursts of intense vocal load. Frequent throat clearing, often driven by post nasal drip, also bangs the vocal cords together. Smoking and heavy alcohol intake dry and irritate the lining further and can interfere with normal healing of the tissues.
If hoarseness, voice changes or a sense of strain continue for more than a few weeks, particularly if there is no obvious cold or infection, it is advisable to seek an ENT assessment. An ENT specialist can examine the vocal cords, often using a small flexible camera passed gently through the nose, and check for swelling, nodules or other conditions. At Melbourne ENT, this assessment can be combined with referral to a speech pathologist if voice therapy is likely to help. Addressing problems early is usually easier and can prevent long term voice difficulties.
There are many practical, low cost steps that can reduce the impact of summer heat and dehydration on your sinuses and throat. The most effective approaches are usually simple habits maintained consistently, rather than occasional intense efforts.
Keeping well hydrated is fundamental. Regular small drinks of water throughout the day help maintain the thin, slippery quality of the mucus that lines the nose, sinuses and throat. Adults may find it helpful to keep a bottle of water nearby at work, in the car and at home and to take sips during meetings, phone calls and commutes. Children benefit from clear routines that remind them to drink at school, sport and play, and from having their water bottles refilled frequently. While tea, coffee and soft drinks are common choices, water remains the best base fluid for hydration for most people.
Managing dry indoor air also matters. Air conditioning does not need to be extremely cold to be effective. Setting the system to a comfortable temperature, rather than the lowest possible setting, and avoiding direct cold air blowing onto the face or body reduces drying of the nasal and throat lining. Some people choose to use a cool mist humidifier at home in the bedroom or main living area. Others use simpler measures such as placing shallow bowls of water near heating or cooling vents or adding indoor plants, which can slightly increase humidity and improve comfort.
Supporting nasal health can further improve comfort. Non medicated saline nasal sprays are widely available and can be used several times a day to keep the lining moist. For some patients, saline rinses using a squeeze bottle or similar device help flush out thick mucus, allergens and irritants. These should always be used with sterile or boiled and cooled water to reduce infection risk and according to the instructions. Decongestant sprays may be helpful for short term relief but should not be used for long periods without medical supervision, because they can lead to rebound congestion and further irritation of the nasal lining.
Looking after the throat and voice is another important part of summer self care. Regular sips of water during the day, rather than waiting until the throat feels dry, can reduce strain. Some people find that non acidic herbal teas at a warm, not very hot temperature are soothing. Very spicy foods, very hot drinks and highly acidic foods may irritate the throat in some individuals, especially if reflux is present. Scheduling brief periods of voice rest, even just a few minutes of quiet between classes, shifts or calls, helps give the vocal cords time to recover. Gentle steam from a warm shower or a short period in a slightly humid environment may provide temporary relief from throat dryness.
Not every congested nose or summer headache indicates a serious sinus condition. However, certain patterns of symptoms suggest that there may be an underlying problem that requires a more detailed assessment. If nasal blockage, sinus pressure, thick mucus and post nasal drip have persisted for more than 12 weeks despite sensible self care and basic treatments, this meets the definition of chronic rhinosinusitis.
Frequent sinus infections that seem to occur several times each year, especially if they require repeated courses of antibiotics, also raise concern. Persistent blocked breathing on one or both sides of the nose, snoring, a significantly reduced sense of smell or taste, or ongoing bad breath can all point toward chronic inflammation or structural narrowing within the nasal passages or sinuses. Children may show signs through restless sleep, mouth breathing, daytime tiredness or difficulty concentrating.
Some symptoms are warning signs that require urgent medical attention. These include a severe, sudden headache that is very different from usual sinus pain, high fever, marked swelling or redness around one eye, double vision or other changes in eyesight, confusion or difficulty breathing. If any of these are present, it is important to seek urgent care through a GP, urgent care clinic or hospital emergency department.
For continuing but less urgent problems, your GP is the best first point of contact. They can take a detailed history, examine your nose and throat, arrange initial treatments such as nasal steroid sprays or antihistamines and organise imaging, such as a sinus CT scan, if needed. If symptoms persist despite these measures, or if there is concern about structural problems, your GP may refer you to an ENT specialist at Melbourne ENT, such as Dr Stephen Kleid or Dr Simon Braham, for further assessment and discussion of treatment options.
For many patients, sinus and throat symptoms that are worse in summer can be managed effectively with medical treatments and lifestyle strategies alone. These may include nasal steroid sprays to reduce inflammation, antihistamines and other therapies to control allergy, saline rinses to clear mucus and irritants, management of reflux where present and support to stop smoking. When these measures are used consistently and correctly, a large proportion of patients experience significant improvement without any need for surgery.
Sinus surgery in Melbourne is considered when there is clear evidence of chronic rhinosinusitis, recurrent acute sinus infection or structural narrowing that has not responded adequately to well supervised medical treatment. Examples include ongoing sinus disease despite many months of appropriate nasal medications, a markedly deviated septum causing major airflow obstruction, very enlarged turbinates taking up too much space in the nose or nasal polyps blocking sinus drainage pathways. In these circumstances, surgery may help restore more normal airflow and mucus drainage and reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms throughout the year, not just in summer.
Common procedures include endoscopic sinus surgery, septoplasty and various forms of turbinate surgery. Endoscopic sinus surgery involves using a fine telescope and instruments through the nostrils to open the natural sinus drainage pathways and remove diseased tissue where this is appropriate. Septoplasty is an operation to straighten the central partition of the nose when it is significantly crooked and narrowing the airway. Turbinoplasty and related procedures reduce the size of structures on the side walls of the nose that may be swollen and blocking airflow. At Melbourne ENT, these procedures are tailored to the individual patient. The focus is to improve function and long term sinus health rather than to aim for cosmetic changes.
It is important to have realistic expectations. Sinus surgery is not designed to remove the effects of normal seasonal dryness or dehydration and cannot prevent every future infection or episode of congestion. Instead, the goal is to create a better anatomic environment so that mucus can clear more easily, medications can work more effectively and flare ups become less frequent or less severe. Even after successful surgery, ongoing medical treatment, nasal care and healthy habits remain crucial parts of long term management.
All surgery carries risks. These can include bleeding, infection, scarring, persistent or recurrent symptoms and, very rarely, more serious complications. During a consultation at Melbourne ENT, Dr Stephen Kleid or Dr Simon Braham will explain the proposed procedures in detail, outline the potential benefits and risks and discuss what to expect during recovery. Patients are encouraged to ask questions and to consider their options carefully before deciding whether to proceed.
In Australia, Medicare provides rebates for medically necessary ENT procedures, including many sinus operations, septoplasty and turbinate surgery when they are performed to treat recognised conditions such as chronic rhinosinusitis or significant nasal obstruction. The Medicare rebate usually covers part of the surgeon’s fee and part of the anaesthetist’s fee. It may also contribute to certain hospital costs, depending on whether the procedure is performed as a private patient in a private hospital or in the public system. Private health insurance, where held and appropriately configured, can further reduce out of pocket costs, particularly when surgery is performed at private hospitals such as Masada Private Hospital in St Kilda East.
Despite these supports, there are often some out of pocket expenses. These vary depending on the complexity of the surgery, the hospital used and the level of private health cover. At Melbourne ENT, the administration team provides written estimates before surgery is booked. These estimates break down the expected surgeon and anaesthetist fees and indicate the Medicare rebates that are likely to apply. Patients are encouraged to discuss any financial questions with the practice and to contact Medicare or their health fund directly to clarify their individual entitlements and responsibilities.
Sinus pressure related to dry air and dehydration often comes on gradually during hot weather or long periods in air conditioning and may ease when you hydrate well, use saline sprays and manage your environment. Symptoms are frequently more of a dull, heavy feeling with congestion but without high fever or severe pain. A true sinus infection is more likely to cause stronger, localised facial pain, thick discoloured discharge, fever and a feeling of being generally unwell. If symptoms are severe, last more than a week without improvement, or you are unsure, it is important to see your GP, who can help decide whether antibiotics are needed and whether referral to an ENT specialist such as those at Melbourne ENT is appropriate.
Snoring and mouth breathing can definitely worsen in hot weather, especially when bedrooms are dry or air conditioned and children are a little dehydrated. However, persistent snoring, frequent mouth breathing, restless sleep or pauses in breathing can be signs of underlying issues such as enlarged adenoids or tonsils, chronic nasal congestion, a deviated septum or chronic rhinosinusitis. If these symptoms continue outside the hottest weeks, or if your child is tired, irritable or struggling at school, it is wise to have them assessed. Your GP can review them initially and may refer to an ENT surgeon at Melbourne ENT for a detailed examination of the nose, adenoids and tonsils.
Mild hoarseness that appears only after an unusually long or loud day, and settles completely after one or two days of rest and good hydration, is often due to temporary strain. You can usually link it to heavy voice use, such as meetings, social events or teaching in a noisy environment. If hoarseness or voice changes occur most days, last longer than two to three weeks, are getting worse, or are accompanied by throat pain, difficulty swallowing or a feeling of something stuck in the throat, you should seek professional advice. An ENT specialist, such as Dr Stephen Kleid or Dr Simon Braham, can examine your vocal cords and help identify whether dehydration and strain are the only issues or whether another condition needs attention.
For some people, especially those with both asthma and nasal or sinus disease, symptoms can be closely linked. Thick mucus dripping from the back of the nose into the throat can irritate the airway, trigger coughing and in some cases contribute to wheeze or chest tightness. Dry air and dehydration can make this post nasal drip more prominent in summer. Asthma must never be ignored, and any flare up should be managed according to your asthma action plan in consultation with your GP or respiratory specialist. At the same time, it can be helpful to have your nasal and sinus health assessed. Treating chronic rhinosinusitis or nasal allergy effectively, sometimes with help from Melbourne ENT, can reduce the upper airway contribution to lower airway symptoms.
Yes, it is possible. Allergy medications help reduce inflammation and swelling, but if there are structural problems such as a deviated septum, narrowed drainage pathways or nasal polyps, the underlying airflow and drainage may still be restricted. During summer, when mucus becomes thicker and the lining is drier, these structural limitations can become more obvious, leading to ongoing congestion, sinus pressure and a heavy headed feeling despite correct use of medications. If this sounds familiar, an ENT assessment can be useful. At Melbourne ENT, nasal endoscopy and, when appropriate, imaging such as a CT scan can help identify whether a structural problem is contributing to your symptoms and whether any additional treatments or surgery should be considered.
Good hydration and consistent nasal care can do more than just offer short term relief. By maintaining thin, mobile mucus and supporting healthy mucociliary clearance, you may reduce the frequency and severity of sinus infections and flare ups over time. Combined with appropriate medical treatment for allergies or chronic rhinosinusitis, these measures can sometimes prevent progression to more severe disease. They may not remove the need for surgery in everyone, especially where there is significant structural narrowing or advanced disease, but they form a vital foundation of long term management. Even for patients who eventually undergo sinus surgery, continuing these habits afterwards helps protect the results and support ongoing sinus health.
If you have previously had sinus surgery, the principles of care in summer remain similar, but they become even more important. Keeping well hydrated, using saline sprays or rinses as recommended by your surgeon and avoiding irritants such as cigarette smoke help keep the sinus openings clear and functioning. It can be helpful to be especially cautious about prolonged exposure to very dry air, to manage air conditioning sensibly and to address early signs of infection or flare up with your GP. If you notice a significant change in your usual pattern of symptoms, recurrent infections, or a return of persistent nasal obstruction or sinus pressure, a review with your ENT specialist, such as those at Melbourne ENT, is sensible so that any issues can be addressed before they progress.
Melbourne ENT brings together the skills and experience of two senior ENT surgeons who are committed to high quality, evidence based care for patients with ear, nose, throat and head and neck conditions. Dr Stephen Kleid is an ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon who has held senior roles at major institutions including the Royal Melbourne Hospital and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. He has extensive experience in complex head and neck surgery as well as nasal, sinus and throat procedures. Dr Simon Braham is an ENT surgeon with particular expertise in paediatric ENT, nasal and sinus surgery and surgery of the nose and face. He works in both public and private sectors, including the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital and regional Victorian hospitals. Both surgeons are Fellows of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and participate in ongoing education and training.
At Melbourne ENT, each patient is treated as an individual rather than a set of symptoms. The surgeons take into account the functional and structural aspects of the nose, sinuses and throat, as well as general health, lifestyle and personal priorities. Investigations such as nasal endoscopy and CT scans are used when needed to create a clear picture of the anatomy and the extent of disease. Treatment plans may include medication, lifestyle changes, voice therapy and, when appropriate, surgery.
Patients travel to Melbourne ENT from St Kilda East, across metropolitan Melbourne and from regional Victoria. When surgery is required, it is often performed at local private hospitals such as Masada Private Hospital, allowing continuity of care from pre operative assessment through to post operative follow up. Clear, honest communication is a central part of the practice philosophy. Patients receive written information about recommended procedures, risks and recovery, and are encouraged to contact the rooms with questions at any stage.
If summer heat and dehydration are making your sinus or throat symptoms difficult to manage, or if you are concerned that there may be a longer term problem behind your blocked nose, headaches, post nasal drip or voice changes, it is worth seeking advice. Your GP can assess you initially and refer you to Melbourne ENT if specialist input is needed.
To learn more about sinus and throat care in Melbourne or to arrange an appointment with Dr Stephen Kleid or Dr Simon Braham at Melbourne ENT, please contact the rooms directly.
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