Allergic rhinitis is the body’s allergic reaction to pollen, dust, spores, and other allergens. A person withallergic rhinitis in Singapore may experience nasal congestion, constant sneezing, runny nose, sinus pain, post-nasal drip, red or watery eyes, and fatigue.
There are several triggers to allergic rhinitis. These triggers include dust, dust mites, pollen, pet dander, mould spores, cockroaches’ saliva and waste. Allergic rhinitis can be managed with the help of an ear, nose, and throat clinic in Singapore, and you can also deal with it at home.
Here are some tips on how to avoid triggering allergic rhinitis:
1. Wear facemasks.
Your child’s paediatric ENT in Singapore may recommend wearing facemasks, especially outdoors. The facemasks will prevent you and your child from inhaling dust particles due to traffic pollution and pollen from trees and flowers. You can also wear facemasks indoors if the place is dusty.
2. Change your pillowcases and bed sheets regularly.
Pillowcases, bed sheets, and other linen, such as drapes and carpets, harbour dust and dust mites. When asleep, the nose is closer to this linen, inhaling the dust. Hence, triggering allergic rhinitis.
Your child ENT specialist in Singapore may recommend changing your pillowcases and bed sheet every three days to prevent triggering allergic rhinitis.
3. Take care of your pets
If you have pets, make sure to brush their fur during their shedding season, so their dander will not scatter around the house. If possible, keep them away from your bedroom to reduce exposure to allergens. You can also prevent them from climbing or sitting on the bed or couch so the linen will not harbour pet fur.
4. Clean your home regularly.
Cleaning will reduce your exposure to allergens indoors. Vacuum the couch and carpet to remove dust and pet dander. Change linens regularly. Roof, pipe, and AC leaks are the perfect environment for mould spores to thrive. Fix these leaks to prevent mould growth.
Clean the fan and change your AC filter regularly because these appliances accumulate dust, too.
5. Buy air filters.
Air filters or air purifiers help clean indoor air by sucking in air and trapping microscopic dust using their filters, then blowing much cleaner air. Some air filters can neutralise odours as well.
It is advisable to buy an air filter, especially if you live with pets or near dusty industrial areas.
Besides consulting yourear, nose, and throat clinic in Singapore, applying these tips will reduce allergic rhinitis attacks.
Dr Jenica Yong provides management and treatment forallergic rhinitis in Singapore. Visit Dr Jenica Yong today.
