One of the most common causes of chronic blocked nose, sneezing, and runny nose in Singapore.
Allergic rhinitis occurs when the nose becomes inflamed after exposure to environmental allergens such as dust mites, pollen, mould spores, or pet dander. In Singapore’s humid climate, dust mites are the leading trigger, affecting both adults and children.
At Aurion ENT & Hearing Centre, Dr Liu Jiaying diagnoses and treats nose allergies using a comprehensive, long-term approach that reduces symptoms and improves quality of life.
What is allergic rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis is an immune response to allergens in the air. When exposed, the body releases histamine and inflammatory chemicals, causing:
- Blocked nose
- Sneezing
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Clear nasal discharge
- Postnasal drip
- Mouth breathing
Allergic rhinitis can be:
- Intermittent (occasional)
- Persistent (most days of the week)
- Seasonal (less common in Singapore)
- Non-seasonal (year-round, often from dust mites)
If untreated, allergies may lead to sinusitis, snoring, sleep issues, or ear problems.
What are the symptoms of nose allergies?
Common symptoms:
- Persistent blocked nose
- Clear runny nose
- Sneezing fits
- Itchiness around nose/eyes
- Watery eyes
- Postnasal drip
- Mouth breathing
- Snoring (due to nasal blockage)
Symptoms in children:
- Frequent rubbing of the nose (“allergic salute”)
- Dark under-eye circles (“allergic shiners”)
- Restless sleep
- Snoring or mouth breathing
- Poor attention or daytime irritability
If symptoms last for weeks or recur often, specialist evaluation is recommended.
What causes allergic rhinitis in Singapore?
The most common triggers are:
- Dust mites (major cause in Singapore)
- Pet dander
- Mould spores
- Pollen (less common locally)
- Air pollutants
- Cold air
- Cigarette smoke
Risk is higher in:
- Families with a history of allergies
- Individuals with asthma or eczema
- Children living in humid environments\
- People exposed to dust or pets frequently
How do ENT doctors diagnose allergic rhinitis?
At Aurion ENT, evaluation may include:
1. Nasal examination
To assess swelling, mucus, and airflow.
2. Nasoendoscopy
A painless clinic procedure to visualise:
- Nasal lining inflammation
- Turbinate swelling
- Presence of polyps
- Sinus drainage pathways
3. Allergy assessment
Identifies triggers and guides long-term treatment.
4. Sinus evaluation
May be needed if allergies contribute to recurrent sinusitis.
Diagnosis helps distinguish allergies from sinusitis, infection, or structural issues.
What are the treatment options for allergic rhinitis?
(MOH-compliant)
1. Medical treatment
- Nasal steroid sprays (most effective long-term treatment)
- Antihistamines
- Decongestants (short-term)
- Saline sprays or irrigation
These reduce inflammation, swelling, and mucus production.
2. Allergen avoidance (dust mite control)
- Use dust mite–proof mattress & pillow covers
- Wash bedding weekly in hot water
- Reduce soft toys / use washable stuffed animals
- Keep humidity low
- Regular vacuuming with HEPA filter
- Avoid carpets if possible
3. Immunotherapy (for persistent or severe allergy)
Allergy desensitisation treatment helps the immune system become less reactive to allergens.
Options include:
- Sublingual immunotherapy (tablets or drops)
- Subcutaneous injections
This is considered when medical therapy is insufficient or long-term control is needed.
4. Addressing complications
Allergic rhinitis can worsen or contribute to:
- Sinusitis
- Snoring & sleep issues
- Ear blockage or fluid buildup
- Eustachian tube dysfunction
- Asthma flare-ups
Treating the underlying allergy helps prevent these problems.
Nose Allergy Symptom Checker
A quick tool to identify whether your symptoms may be due to allergic rhinitis.
(Not a substitute for medical evaluation.)
1. “My nose is blocked every morning.”
Common in dust mite allergy.
2. “I keep sneezing in bursts of 5–10 sneezes.”
Classic histamine-triggered allergic reaction.
3. “My nose runs but the mucus is clear.”
Typical sign of allergic rhinitis (vs infection).
4. “I have itchy nose/eyes.”
Strong indicator of nasal allergy.
5. “I snore when my blocked nose worsens.”
Allergies can cause sleep-disordered breathing.
6. “My child rubs their nose often.”
Suggestive of childhood allergic rhinitis.
7. “I get frequent sinus infections.”
Allergies may be blocking sinus drainage.
8. “My ears feel blocked too.”
Possible eustachian tube dysfunction from nasal inflammation.
FAQ: Allergic Rhinitis
What causes allergic rhinitis in Singapore?
Dust mites are the most common trigger, followed by pet dander, mould, and environmental irritants.
How is allergic rhinitis treated?
Treatment includes nasal sprays, antihistamines, allergen control, and in some cases immunotherapy.
Is allergic rhinitis the same as sinusitis?
No. Allergic rhinitis is due to nasal allergy; sinusitis involves infection or inflammation of sinus cavities. Both can occur together.
Can allergies cause snoring?
Yes. Nasal blockage from allergies forces mouth breathing and increases snoring.
Do children outgrow allergic rhinitis?
Some do, but many require long-term management. Early treatment helps reduce complications.
When should I see an ENT specialist?
If symptoms persist, cause sleep issues, or lead to recurrent sinus or ear problems.
Struggling with blocked nose, sneezing, or persistent allergies?
Allergic rhinitis is highly treatable — early intervention prevents long-term sinus, sleep, and ear issues.
Aurion ENT & Hearing Centre – Farrer Park
- Nasoendoscopy for accurate diagnosis
- Adult ENT & Children ENT allergy management
- Treatment for chronic nasal blockage & snoring
- Allergy testing & long-term treatment plans
