🌿 What is Allergic Rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis (AR), also known as nose allergy, happens when your body reacts to things in the air like dust, pollen, or pet fur.
Your body treats these as harmful and releases chemicals that cause irritation in your nose and eyes.
🏠 How to Reduce House Dust Mites at Home
Dust mites cause 90% of allergic rhinitis in Singapore.
🛏 Bedroom Tips
- Use dust-mite proof covers for pillows and mattresses
- Wash above covers weekly in hot water above 60 degrees
- Limit soft toys on the bed (wash them regularly if kept)
🧹 In the Home
- Mop floors instead of sweeping
- Remove carpets, heavy curtains, and clutter
- Reduce the number of stuffed toys in the home, as they trap dust easily
🌬 Reduce humidity
- Use a dehumidifier and maintain humidity less than 50%
- Especially in the bedroom
🧠 Simple Daily Routine for AR Control
- Clean your nose regularly (saline rinse)
- Keep your room clean and dust-free
- Avoid known triggers
- Take medication if prescribed
- Follow up with your doctor if symptoms persist
🚨 When Should You See a Doctor?
Seek medical advice if:
- Symptoms do not improve
- You have poor sleep due to nasal blockage
- You get frequent sinus infections
- Symptoms affect your daily life, school, or work
References
Bousquet J, Khaltaev N, Cruz AA, et al. Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) 2008 update. Allergy. 2008;63(Suppl 86):8–160.
Wise SK, Damask C, Roland LT, et al.
International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Allergic Rhinitis 2023.
Int Forum Allergy Rhinol. 2023;13:293–859.
Dykewicz MS, Wallace DV, Amrol DJ, et al.
Rhinitis 2020: A Practice Parameter Update.
J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2020;146(4):721–767.