Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is an allergic reaction that causes sneezing, congestion, and a runny nose. It affects up to 13.1% of the Singaporean population and is commonly triggered by allergens like dust mites, pollen, pet dander, mould and insects.

Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis

Common symptoms of allergic rhinitis include:

• Repeated sneezing that occurs suddenly
• Runny nose with clear discharge
• Itchy or blocked nose
• Post-nasal drip coughing
• Red, itchy, tearing or blurring of the eyes

Causes of Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis can be triggered by indoor and outdoor allergens. This includes dust mites, animal dander, mould and pollen. When these allergens enter the body through nasal passages, the immune system treats them as foreign substances, prompting a chemical reaction within the body. The significant release of chemicals in the body can result in inflammation, which causes the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

Diagnosing Allergic Rhinitis

During a visit to an ENT specialist clinic, the doctor will examine your medical history and evaluate you for conditions such as asthma and infections. A physical examination of your nose may be done to check for nasal polyps or structural defects like a deviated nasal septum.

Nasal polyps are soft and painless grape-like protrusions in the nose. While some may actually be true growths, the majority are just enlargements of the nasal mucosa drawn into the nasal cavity by airflow. They aren’t that serious but they may grow and cause congestion. They are also associated with certain immune disorders and allergies. If an allergy is causing this condition, it needs to be looked into .

To determine what type of allergens are causing your symptoms, the ENT doctor may recommend having a skin prick test or blood test carried out.

Skin prick test: A small sample of the allergen is dropped onto your skin (usually on the forearm). Following that, the surface of the skin gets pricked with a sterile needle to introduce the allergen into the body and your immune system. Small, red, itchy welts may appear on your skin if you are allergic to any particular allergen. This test is commonly carried out and is a safe and accurate way to check for allergens with minimal discomfort and is generally well tolerated even by young children.

Blood test: This test is done to check for the immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody in your blood. During an allergic reaction, your body’s immune system produces the IgE antibody in response to the allergen. The presence of IgE in a specific allergen suggests an allergy to that substance.

Types of Allergic Rhinitis Treatments

Depending on the severity of your condition, the ENT doctor may recommend different allergic rhinitis treatment plans.

To relieve symptoms like an itchy, runny nose or sneezing, the doctor may prescribe non-drowsy antihistamines. Combined with a decongestant, they can help give additional relief to blocked noses as well.

If your symptoms persist, your doctor may provide you with nasal steroids. This will help stabilise your nasal condition. However, they may take some time to work and  they need to be used regularly. Contrary to popular belief, they are safe for long–term use because very little is absorbed into the body. Additionally, before discontinuing these steroids, patients need to avoid getting exposed to any allergens.

If symptoms recur after stopping nasal sprays, doctors may recommend patients to undergo immunotherapy to help the body to learn to tolerate the allergens. This is accomplished by repeatedly administering increasing doses of small amounts of the allergen to the body. Over time, the immune system develops an immunity to the allergen and eventually stops reacting. This technique used to be carried out by injections, also known as allergy shots, over a period of three years. The good news is that immunotherapy can now be provided in droplet form or tablets placed under the tongue.

Consult Our Experienced Allergic Rhinitis Specialists in Singapore

At Amandela ENT Head and Neck Centre, we provide subspecialty care that you can trust and rely on throughout your recovery journey. Meet with our experienced and qualified ENT doctors to get expert advice for nasal conditions and treatment plans today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Difference Between Sinusitis and Allergic Rhinitis?

Sinusitis occurs when the sinuses (air-filled tissues surrounding the nose) get infected. Allergic rhinitis, on the other hand, is a nasal inflammation.

How Do I Know If I Have Allergic Rhinitis or Sinusitis?

With allergic rhinitis, you can expect symptoms like an itchy and runny nose with sneezing and watery eyes. Sinusitis, on the other hand, will most likely present with symptoms and signs such as fever, headache, and nasal discharge (yellow or greenish discolouration).

What is the Difference Between Allergies and Allergic Rhinitis?

Nasal allergies, irritants or viruses can cause allergic rhinitis. It is an allergic reaction that occurs to substances known as allergens.

How Long Will Allergic Rhinitis Last?

This depends on how long you are exposed to the allergen. In some cases, the symptoms may resolve on their own, but in some patients, the symptoms may persist.