Common Symptoms of Allergies
Treatment for Allergies
While allergies cannot be fully cured, their complications can be managed with proper treatment.
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Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy or allergy shots is a treatment method to gradually decrease your immune system’s response to particular allergens and control allergic symptoms over time. Immunotherapy is typically performed by injecting small amounts of specific substances (allergens) that trigger your allergic reactions. The aim of immunotherapy is to build up a tolerance to the allergens and slowly diminish these allergic symptoms.
Alternatively, a non-injection method known as sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) may also be performed. This involves placing a tablet containing a mixture of several allergens under your tongue, allowing it to be slowly absorbed. SLIT is effective in alleviating allergic symptoms such as runny nose, congestion or eye irritation.
Diagnosis of Allergies
- Physical examination. Your doctor may review your symptoms and medical history to determine the severity of your allergic reaction.
- Flexible nasendoscopy. This test involves inspecting the inside of your nasal passages and sinuses using an endoscope, a thin, fibre-optic viewing instrument.
- Skin prick test. A skin prick test is done by placing several substances and common airborne allergens on your skin to see if there is any allergic reaction, which is typically a raised, red bump.
- Blood tests. A blood test may be performed to measure your immune system's response to common allergens by measuring the amount of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in your bloodstream.
Our Specialists
Dr Chin Chao-Wu David
Senior Consultant Ear Nose Throat Surgeon
Dr Eng Soh Ping Elliot
Senior Consultant Ear Nose Throat Surgeon
Dr Leong Jern-Lin
Senior Consultant Ear Nose Throat Surgeon
Dr Mark Hon Wah Ignatius
Senior Consultant Ear Nose Throat Surgeon
Dr Huang Xinyong
Senior Consultant Ear Nose Throat Surgeon
For Singaporeans & Singapore Permanent Residents
Insurance & Medisave Partners
Certain ENT procedures are claimable under Medisave, and the exact amount would depend on the procedure. For more information, please speak to our friendly clinic staff about using your insurance plan, Integrated Shield Plan, or Medisave.
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Our Main Clinic
Feel free to drop by our clinic and meet our specialist
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Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre 3 Mount Elizabeth #09-03, Singapore 228510
Other Practice Locations
Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre
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3 Mount Elizabeth #09-05 Singapore 228510
Parkway East Medical Centre
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319 Joo Chiat Place #03-02 Singapore 427989
Mount Alvernia Medical Centre D
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820 Thomson Road #08-63 Singapore 574623
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an allergic reaction serious? When should I visit a doctor?
While an allergic reaction is typically not fatal, it may result in further complications if left untreated. In rare and severe cases, an allergic reaction may result in anaphylaxis, a life-threatening medical emergency that can cause breathing difficulties and loss of consciousness.
You should seek immediate medical attention if your symptoms worsen or persist for an extended period of time.
What increases the risks of an allergic reaction?
- Family history and genetics
- Exposure to irritants such as tobacco smoke or exhaust fumes
- Structural abnormalities in your nasal passage
- Pre-existing asthma or other allergic conditions
How to prevent an allergic reaction?
- Avoid known triggers of your allergic reaction
- Keep a diary to track what causes or worsens your allergic symptoms
- Adopt good personal hygiene by washing or sanitising your hands frequently
- Avoid smoking
- Eat a well-balanced diet
- Exercise regularly
- Stay hydrated
- Get adequate rest