Managing Allergies

On identification of the allergy, a program for management of the allergy is proposed. This include methods of avoidance, medical treatment and where appropriate, immunotherapy.

1. Avoidance

Often the cause of symptoms of allergy can be avoided or removed. For example, a particular food can be avoided, or a pet can be removed from the home or kept away from sleeping area. Some causes of symptoms cannot be eliminated but exposure can be reduced. For example, pollens, dust mites and molds cause most allergies among adults and kids.

Environmental factors

Modify environment to minimize the troublesome exposures.

Dust allergy

• Use high quality air cleaner (HEPA)
• Maintain low humidity
• No plush toys
• Avoid carpets and drapes, upholstered furniture
• Allergen proof covers for mattress and pillows
• Wet mop and vacuum frequently

Pet allergy

• Make the living space and the pets exclusive. For example, confine the pet to an area or getting someone to care for your pet.

Grass pollen allergy

• Wear mask when mowing grass, change clothes after mowing, pre-treat with nasal spray or avoid the job totally.

Mould allergy

• Reduce humidity to reduce mould growth
• Reduce the number of house plants
• Don't let damp clothes sit in the washing machine, dry the clothes immediately
• Dry bathroom walls after shower
• Install a bathroom fan and vent

2. Medication

Medications are frequently used to decrease or eliminate allergy symptoms. These include steroid nasal sprays, steroid tablets and antihistamines. Whilst they are effective in controlling symptoms they do not provide a cure for allergy.

3. Immunotherapy (Desensitisation)

Immunotherapy or desensitisation works by changing the way the body responds to the triggering allergies. It is the only means of curing allergy. For instance, if you are allergic to dust mite, immunotherapy can prevent you from reacting to dust mite after an appropriate length of treatment.

In trained hands, immunotherapy is a safe and effective treatment. Recent developments of sublingual (oral) drops have also make the implementation of treatment hassle free and convenient. Excellent results have been seen in allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma patients undergoing this treatment. Children from 3 years can start on treatment after confirmation of their allergy.

Dr Pang has great experience in the use of sublingual immunotherapy to treat allergies.

To get an accurate assessment of your allergy, you can consult the ENT Specialist at the Centre for Ear Nose Throat Allergy & Snoring ( CENTAS).