Allergic Rhinitis

In Singapore, the most common cause of allergic rhinitis is house dust mite allergies.

Most children also have perennial allergic rhinitis after breathing in other indoor allergens such as mould or animal dander. Seasonal allergic rhinitis due to pollen allergies are more common in temperate countries. Your child may also experience worsening of symptoms from irritant particles during periods of haze or exposure to cigarette smoke.

If your child has allergic rhinitis, they may display these symptoms:

• Blocked and stuffy nose
• Cough from post nasal drip
• Runny nose with clear discharge
• Snoring and dry mouth when sleeping
• Sudden and repeated sneezing, especially in the morning
• Watery or itchy eyes

The severity of these symptoms will depend on your child’s reaction to allergens. Some children may experience symptoms very often, while others may occasionally experience suffer from very mild symptoms.

If you suspect your child has allergic rhinitis, bring them to your doctor or allergist. A skin prick test is usually performed to identify allergic triggers causing your child’s symptoms. You will be advised on appropriate avoidance measures according to your child’s environmental allergens.

Caring for children with allergic rhinitis

You can reduce your child's exposure to house dust mites by washing your child’s bedding (bed sheets, pillow cases and covers) in hot water that is at least 60°C weekly to fortnightly. Remove any stuffed toys out of the bedroom and minimise them around the house.

Minimise the use of fabric furniture, carpets or thick fabric curtains around the house. You can use acaricide sprays on heavy fabric material.

Use damp cloths for cleaning surfaces around the house to reduce dust accumulation. Use a vacuum for cleaning instead of sweeping up dust, preferably when your child is not at home. Allow the air to settle for about 2 hours before allowing them to enter the room.

If your child sleeps in air-conditioning, ensure that the air-conditioner and filters are cleaned and serviced regularly.

If environmental measures are insufficient in controlling your child’s symptoms, you may need to bring them to a doctor who may prescribe non-sedating antihistamines and topical nasal saline rinses or topical nasal steroid sprays to control the underlying inflammation. Other medications such as decongestants or leukotriene antagonists may also be prescribed.

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