If you suspect that 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.
In Singapore, the most common cause of allergic rhinitis is house dust mite allergies. You can reduce 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 degrees Celsius 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. Dust mite-proof pillow and mattress covers can be helpful but are expensive.
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, they may require 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.
If your child’s symptoms are severe or recur when weaning off medications, speak with your allergist about oral immunotherapy which would help modify the body’s allergic response to your child’s specific environmental allergens.