Allergic Rhinitis Treatment in Singapore

Rhinitis

What is Rhinitis

Many people often refer to their symptoms as “having sinus” when they have this condition. In reality, everybody has sinuses (Figure 1). They are a natural part of our facial anatomy, consisting of air-filled cavities that produce mucus draining into the nasal cavities. When the sinuses are blocked, they can be infected and have symptoms of sinusitis.

However, symptoms such as frequent, clear, runny nose, nasal blockage, sneezing, and itchy eyes are typically due to rhinitis (sensitive nose), a condition marked by the inflammation of the nasal cavity. For those seeking effective rhinitis treatment in Singapore, understanding the cause is the first step.

Read our guide: Why Is My Nose So Sensitive? Understanding Rhinitis (Sensitive Nose)

Causes of Rhinitis

Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is the usually triggered when the nasal passages react to harmless substances called allergens — the most common one in Singapore being House Dust Mites. As a result, the body releases histamine, causing inflammation and classic symptoms like sneezing and nasal blockage.

Non-Allergic Rhinitis

Non-allergic rhinitis, on the other hand, is inflammation not caused by an immune response to an allergen. Triggers can include sudden temperature changes (e.g., moving between air-conditioned and humid environments), cigarette smoke, strong chemical odors, hormonal fluctuations, or specific dietary factors.

Signs and Symptoms of Rhinitis

If you have rhinitis, you may experience a combination of the following common signs and symptoms:

• Frequent, clear, runny nose (rhinorrhea)
• Nasal blockage or congestion
• Repetitive sneezing, particularly in the morning
• Itchy nose, eyes, or throat
• Postnasal drip
• Watery eyes

Diagnosis of Allergic Rhinitis

If you suspect you have allergic rhinitis, consulting an ENT specialist at a rhinitis treatment clinic may be helpful. They may perform the diagnosis in the following manner:

• Review of clinical history
• Physical examination
• Flexible nasoendoscopy to examine the nasal passages
• Skin prick tests or blood tests to identify allergens, especially for allergic rhinitis

Treatment Options for Rhinitis

For those suffering from rhinitis, especially of the allergic variety, treatment options in SIngapore may include:

• Avoidance of known allergens or triggers
• Nasal steroid sprays (Figure 2) to reduce inflammation
• Antihistamines to manage symptoms

• Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) (Figure 3a-b) for desensitising to allergens

If symptoms persist, the doctor may recommend surgery such as Inferior Turbinate Hypertrophy.