Allergic Rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal passages and is usually associated with runny nose, sneezing, itch and blocked nose.
Include:
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Itchy and blocked nose
- Itchy eyes
- Tearing
- Altered smell
- Cough
- Headache
The Clinic evaluates and treats both adults and children with Otolaryngologic Allergy. These include allergic rhinitis and other nasal diseases like sinusitis and nasal polyps, and food allergy.
• Skin Prick Test (SPT)
SPT is performed on the forearm, to test for Inhalant Allergy. Some of the common inhalant allergens are house dust mites, dog and cat dander, cockroach, mould, grass and tree pollens. SPT is usually well tolerated, even in young children, and results are ready in twenty minutes.
• Intradermal Provocative Food Test (IPFT)
This is an allergy test for Cyclical (non IgE-medicated) Food Allergy
• Radioallergosorbent Test (RAST)
This is an allergy tests that involves collecting blood. It may be used to test for either Inhalant Allergy or Fixed (IgE-mediated) Food Allergy.
• Allergy Counselling
The management of Inhalant Allergy also includes counselling of proper environmental control and/or advice on allergy products available.
• Diet Counselling
For patients who have undergone the IPFT, the Allergy Nurse assists them to make sense of their test results, and explain the need for correct diet management.
• Immunotherapy
This is a treatment that consists of gradually re-accustoming the body to the allergen responsible for the allergic reactions so as to modify (or perhaps entirely suppress) the body’s response.
This involves two successive phases:
1. An initiation phase during which the dose of the allergen is gradually stepped up.
2. The maintenance phase during which the maximum tolerated dose is administered for an extended period of time (at least three years).
Immunotherapy may be administered via subcutaneous injections or taken orally (sublingual).
Allergen avoidance - Allergen avoidance and pharmacotherapy are the first line treatment for patients with allergic rhinitis
Medications – Nasal steroids and antihistamines are the mainstay of treatment. Intranasal or intraocular chromones and anti-leukotrienes can be added if necessary.
Immunotherapy - Immunotherapy (desensitisation therapy or allergy shots) is currently recognised as an effective treatment for allergic rhinitis
Surgery - Patients who have persistent nasal obstruction secondary to structural defects will benefit from surgery to correct them.
a) Nasal and Sinus Surgery
b) Image Guidance Endoscopic Sinus Surgery