Allergic Rhinitis Treatment In Singapore

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is inflammation of the inside of the nose due to an overreaction of the immune system to non-infectious particles, like pollen, dust, mould, or flakes of skin and fur from certain animals. This condition affects up to 13.1%* of the Singapore population.

Allergic Rhinitis is a common nasal issue worldwide, strongly associated with eczema, asthma and chronic sinus conditions. It tends to run in families and significantly diminishes the quality of life. Early intervention in allergic rhinitis reduces the exacerbation of allergic asthma. However, many individuals with this condition do not seek treatment until it severely impacts their daily activities. More effective therapies are now available with advancements in medical and surgical treatments. Management strategies for allergic rhinitis include allergen identification and avoidance, pharmacotherapy, immunotherapy and surgery.

A full range of diagnostic services is available at Aglow ENT Centre. Diagnostic methods may include blood tests like RAST, skin prick and intradermal tests (IPFT), and endoscopic examination of the nose and upper airway.

If left untreated, Allergic Rhinitis may lead to the following complications:

• Recurrent Upper Respiratory Tract Infection – Patients feel that they are frequently down with a cold that takes longer than usual to recover. This may trigger an asthma attack.
• Recurrent Rhinosinusitis or Chronic Rhinosinusitis – An infection which is the result of nasal inflammation and swelling that prevents the draining of mucus from the sinuses
• Middle Ear Infections – Infection of part of the ear found directly behind the eardrum, this condition causing ear ache and hearing loss.

These problems can typically be treated with medication, although surgery is sometimes needed in severe or long-term cases.

Primary treatments involve adopting practices to avoid and limit contact with the allergenic agent from the environment in which we live. Patients who do not respond well to these measures may benefit from the following, depending on their symptoms:

• Medications – Nasal steroids, antihistamines and other medication to help with different symptoms of rhinitis
• Immunotherapy – Long-term desensitisation therapy or allergy shot
• Surgery – Patients with persistent nasal obstruction due to structural abnormalities may benefit from corrective surgery.
  
  • Septoplasty – Surgical correction of a deviated nasal septum, may include the bony and/or cartilaginous septum
  • Turbinate reduction surgery or Turbinoplasty – Surgical reduction of the inferior turbinates
  • Nasal Cryotherapy – Liquid nitrogen application, cold therapy, to the nasal wall to reduce symptoms of chronic rhinitis