Allergic Rhinitis (AR): Managing Symptoms That Affect 1 in 5 Singaporeans
When exposed to an allergen, your body releases histamine, a chemical that plays a pivotal role in allergic reactions. Histamine triggers symptoms such as sneezing and itching, characteristic of allergic rhinitis.
Histamine’s release during an allergic reaction causes the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. While most reactions are not severe, food allergies can be dangerous and require immediate medical attention if they consistently trigger symptoms.
Managing allergic rhinitis effectively allows you to relieve symptoms and enjoy a healthier lifestyle. Consult healthcare professionals to tailor the best treatment plan for you.
Allergic Rhinitis | Sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy eyes | Persistent/seasonal | Antihistamines, nasal sprays |
Cold | Sneezing, coughing, sore throat, mild body aches | 7-10 days | Rest, hydration, OTC meds |
Flu | Fever, muscle aches, cough, chills, fatigue | 1-2 weeks | Antiviral drugs, rest |
Sinusitis | Nasal congestion, facial pain, sinus pressure | Days to weeks | Decongestants, sometimes antibiotics |
Treatment Type | Price Range in SGD |
Eye Drops and Nasal Sprays | SGD 10 to SGD 35 |
Nasal Corticosteroids (Anti-Inflammatory Medicine) | SGD 10 to SGD 50 |
Antihistamine Drops and Sprays | SGD 10 to SGD 25 |
Combination Sprays | SGD 25 to SGD 35 |
Leukotriene Inhibitors | SGD 28 to SGD 80 |
Decongestants | SGD 6 to SGD 15 |
Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots and SLIT) | SGD 500 to SGD 1,500 annually |
Surgery | GD 2,000 to SGD 10,000+ |
Choose foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and flaxseed, that may help reduce inflammation associated with allergic reactions
Medical References
Bousquet, Jean, et al. “Allergic Rhinitis.” Nature Reviews. Disease Primers, vol. 6, no. 1, Dec. 2020, doi:10.1038/s41572-020-00227-0.
Siddiqui, Za, et al. “Allergic Rhinitis: Diagnosis and Management.” British Journal of Hospital Medicine, vol. 83, no. 2, Feb. 2022, pp. 1–9, doi:10.12968/hmed.2021.0570.
Zhang, Yuan, et al. “Advances and Highlights in Allergic Rhinitis.” Allergy, vol. 76, no. 11, Aug. 2021, pp. 3383–89, doi:10.1111/all.15044.