Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis occurs when the body reacts to environmental allergens in the air, causing nasal symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose or eyes and blocked nose symptoms. It is particularly common in children and adolescents.

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

In Singapore, most children have perennial allergic rhinitis, which occurs year round after breathing in indoor allergens such as dust mites, 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 allergic rhinitis is left untreated, it can lead to poor sleep quality, increased tiredness, daytime sleepiness and poor concentration.

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.

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. These options are safe and effective. Other medications such as decongestants or leukotriene antagonists may also be prescribed.

If your doctor prescribes a topical nasal steroid spray, ask for instructions for correct usage so your child can use the spray effectively. 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.

Make an Appointment/Enquiry

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.