Allergy Treatment

allergies

What are allergies?

Our immune system protects our body against foreign particles such as viruses and bacteria. However, in some individuals, their immune system overreacts to something that is typically harmless, such as an allergen, thus resulting in an allergic reaction.

allergies
Symptoms of allergies include rashes or hives.

While allergies may not be life-threatening or indicate a serious medical condition, they can interfere with everyday life and impact one’s mental health. In rare cases, they can lead to serious health consequences and may even be fatal. 

The symptoms of an allergy can be mild and temporary, but for some people, they can be severe and do not go away without intervention. Allergies can develop in childhood or much later in life, making it difficult to treat in some cases. Managing and coping with allergies through treatments can significantly improve one’s quality of life.

In Singapore, common allergens include:

  • House dust mites
  • Animal dander (cats, dogs)
  • Shellfish
  • Egg 
  • Cow’s milk
  • Peanuts 
  • Fish
  • Soy
  • Egg
  • Mould

How does allergy treatment work?

A wide range of treatment options are available. Allergy treatment is often most effective once you have identified the trigger for your allergies. Therefore, the first step is to consult an experienced specialist who can help you identify your triggers through an allergy skin prick test or allergy blood testing, in some cases, together with a detailed medical history. 

You may be asked questions about your lifestyle or home conditions to determine if your allergies are caused by environmental factors such as dust mites or pet dander. 

skin test allergy
A skin prick test is commonly used to determine allergy triggers.

What allergy treatments are available in Singapore?

Allergy treatments in Singapore include:

  • Oral medications: antihistamines, decongestants, and corticosteroids. These medications usually work to treat the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
  • Topical medications: steroids or antihistamine sprays. Topical medications alleviate symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion. 
  • Allergy immunotherapy: administered by a medical professional, this procedure introduces allergic substances into your body via oral sublingual drops or tablets, slowly inducing a shift in your immune system's response towards the allergen, aiding in desensitisation. This treatment option can reduce and remove the need for long-term topical steroid treatment. 
  • Avoidance: avoid a particular food, drug, or substance once the allergen/trigger has been identified.
  • Emergency medications: adrenaline auto-injectors (such as an EpiPen) for severe allergies. 

Benefits of allergy treatment

  • Alleviates symptoms of allergies
  • Improves quality of life
  • Prevents serious health consequences
  • May clear up allergy symptoms completely 

Make an appointment with us today!

What conditions can allergy treatments treat?

Allergy treatments can be used to treat the following:

  • Mild, moderate, or severe allergies
  • Symptoms of allergies such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose or eyes, shortness of breath, and nasal stuffiness 
allergies
Allergies can cause symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and coughing.

What results can I expect?

After allergy treatment, you can expect to see improvements in your allergy symptoms. However, note that everyone is different, and results may differ according to your allergy. For example, it may take time for allergy immunotherapy to work as your body needs time to get used to the allergen and become desensitised. Other medications, such as corticosteroids and antihistamines, work quickly to alleviate symptoms. 

How many treatment sessions are needed? 

It depends on the treatment and severity of the allergy. Allergy immunotherapy may take a few treatment sessions, but once your body becomes desensitised to the allergen, the relief usually is long-term. 

At the Allergy & Sinus ENT Specialist Clinic in Singapore, we offer a complete range of treatment options to treat allergies in children and adults. These options range from identification of allergens, avoidance, medical and surgical treatment, and various forms of allergen immunotherapy. 

Book a consultation to find out more. 

Frequently asked questions

What is the fastest way to get rid of allergies?

Although there is currently no cure for allergies, several medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, and corticosteroids, are extremely helpful in relieving symptoms. Avoiding allergy triggers and allergen immunotherapy can also help those suffering from regular or severe allergic reactions.

Can allergies go away?
Yes, you or your child can outgrow allergies. However, you can also develop an allergy at any age. 

How do I know what I am allergic to?
Identifying the trigger of your allergy is helpful in treating the symptoms. Doctors usually order blood or skin allergy tests to detect an allergy to pollen, dust mites, or other substances. Skin prick testing is an accurate and common way to test for allergies.

Allergy & Sinus ENT Specialist Centre
Head & Neck Surgery Singapore

Dr Soma Subramaniam
MBBCH (IRE), DOHNS(ENG), MMED-ORL(NUS), FRCS-ORL(ENG)
Consultant ENT Specialist and Surgeon




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