Many people aren’t very keen on their ear, nose and throat until there becomes a problem. We have developed the attitude of taking body conditions lightly. Unless it becomes unbearable—impeding our ability to do things we do every day. We don’t often visit an ent clinic singapore if we don’t feel ‘sick’. 

There are many reasons for us to feel sick, and one of the most common influencing factors is allergies. These allergies can mimic your common colds or flu symptoms. One can obtain them inside your home, be it inside the living room or bedroom. After a few hours, you feel nausea, a stuffy nose, etc. Allergens are known to hide deep within your furniture and upholstery. 

Most Common Offending Allergens

While allergies in ENT won’t likely cause you to look for a treatment for sleep apnea in Singapore or ear infection. However, it’s crucial to understand these allergens and where they often reside. 

Mould

Some people have allergies to mould, impacting how their immune system reacts once they are inhaled. Like other allergy reactions, the symptoms of mould reactions include itchy or watery eyes, stuffy or runny nose, coughing, scaly skin, sneezing and wheezing. In some individuals, this can trigger asthma attacks. 

One can acquire mould allergies both outdoors and indoors, specifically in moist areas or where there have been recent floods. Windows, pipes and other organic materials are where moulds often grow and thrive. If you suspect yourself to have one, consider visiting an ear, nose, or throat specialist. Treatment will involve using medications given by doctors.

Pet allergens

Your pet’s dander, saliva or urine can sometimes trigger an allergic reaction. These allergic reactions can exhibit different symptoms, such as chest tightness, shortness of breath, itchy skin, rashes, sneezing, coughing, etc. It is a common misconception to assume that the allergy is directed at the animals themselves. In fact, it is from what the animal produces. 

Again, if you suspect yourself to have one, it’s crucial that you visit an ENT doctor for quicker treatment. The doctor will provide an accurate diagnosis to determine the exact cause of the allergy and what you can do about it. 

Pollen

Pollen comes from trees and plants, and it can cause seasonal allergies in some people. Contrary to most beliefs, pollen allergies only trigger when the pollen is in the air. The most common symptoms are stuffy nose or nasal congestion, itchiness of the nose, sneezing and watery eyes. 

Pollen allergy can worsen asthma. Therefore, it is advised to visit an ENT doctor to see what medication and precautions you can take. In some cases, you need to keep your windows closed. Limiting outdoor activities in places with high pollen counts (trees and grasses) can also reduce the chance of having one. 

Dust mites

Dust mites are another common indoor allergen found in mattresses, dirty carpets, towels, curtains, stuffed toys, etc. Dust mites are often associated with respiratory allergies and can trigger asthma and eczema. Waste from the mites themselves is the primary culprit for allergic reactions. Common symptoms are almost identical to respiratory allergies, such as sneezing, wheezing, nasal congestion and runny nose. 

Every ENT doctor will tell you that your bedding and other dusty furniture are breeding grounds for dust mites. You can avoid dust mites by cleaning your upholstery and furniture regularly (including your mattress), removing dust by vacuuming and keeping humidity low. 

What You Can Do

Other causes of allergies include food, perfumes, other household chemicals, insect stings, medications and cockroaches. Once you are experiencing the symptoms of allergies, do not hesitate to book an appointment with an ENT doctor. They can provide accurate diagnosis and treatment to ensure a fast recovery. 

Although some allergic symptoms can be mild, do not ignore the condition. Monitor and keep track of your temperature and see if the symptoms and reactions persist as there are symptoms that can turn into life-threatening (such as anaphylaxis).

Treating Allergies

Apart from treating allergies by visiting an ENT doctor or physician, there are over-the-counter medicines that you can purchase from drugstores. To many, histamine is among the primary chief responsible for allergic reactions (despite that the underlying root cause remains unknown). Thus, most physicians are likely to include antihistamine medicine for treating common allergy symptoms. 

Decongestants and nasal spray are among the must-have and common medications for allergic reactions, mostly on blocked and stuffy noses. They are also used as a relief for breathing, which becomes a problem among allergy and asthma patients. Nonetheless, you might encounter an ENT doctor that will prescribe an alternative medication or specific type of decongestants. 

In other scenarios, doctors may administer immunotherapy, which are shots to create tolerance towards allergens, minimising symptoms. Nonetheless, prevention is more effective than curing and treating the condition. Avoiding the offending allergens is the best possible solution to allergy problems. 

Avoiding Allergens – What You Should Do?

Avoiding offending allergens starts with making an appointment with an ear, nose, or throat specialist to discuss what you should do and what specifics you should avoid. 

Without further ado, here are tips that will serve as general guidelines on how to prevent allergens:

• Keep doors and windows close
• Take a shower or change clothes after going outdoors
• Check the weather for high pollen counts
• Avoid grassy areas, such as parks and fields.
• Limit outdoor activities during specific seasons
• Cover exposed skin when outdoors to avoid insect bites or stings
• Clean pillows, mattress and upholstery
• Visiting an ENT doctor or physician for a checkup
• Limit contact with specific animals
• Avoid products with advisory labels for specific allergen.

If you are looking for a certified ENT doctor in Mount Elizabeth, visit ENT Surgeons.