NOSE & BREATHING PROBLEMS

Allergic Rhinitis

What is Allergic Rhinitis?

Imagine your nose responding with a sneeze or running every time you encounter dust, pollen, or your pet's dander - that's allergic rhinitis! It's your nose throwing an allergy party with swollen tissues and lots of mucus. You might also experience a stuffy nose.

This condition occurs when your body's immune defence releases histamine. In the case of allergic rhinitis, histamine inflates the blood vessels in your nose, causing it to swell and produce extra mucus. You might also experience a stuffy nose.

Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis

Symptoms of allergic rhinitis can often mimic those of a common cold but can be more persistent. You may experience:

  • Continuous sneezing

  • Runny or blocked nose

  • Watery, itchy eyes

  • Fatigue

If you are suspected to have allergic rhinitis, Dr Valerie Tay will perform a Flexible Nasoendoscopy - a fancy way of saying she'll use a flexible camera tube to take a close look inside your nose and throat.

Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis

Treating allergic rhinitis involves a number of approaches.

  • First, recognise what sets off these reactions, known as allergens, ranging from microscopic dust mites, pet hair, or even specific types of pollen. Once you know your triggers, you can avoid them and reduce your symptoms significantly.

  • When steering clear of allergens isn't enough, medications, like intranasal steroids and antihistamines, can help by reducing inflammation and keeping symptoms in check.

  • If you have already tried multiple medications with little improvement, a new minimally invasive device called ClariFix that can stop your runny nose without medications may suit you.

Understanding and managing allergic rhinitis can lead to a significant improvement in your quality of life. Contact Aspire ENT to discuss the best treatment plan for you.

Acute Sinusitis

What is Acute Sinusitis?

Imagine having a cave system in your skull. These are your sinuses, air-filled pockets within the bones of your face. Acute Sinusitis is like a storm in these caves, causing inflammation and infection that can last up to four weeks.

Symptoms of Acute Sinusitis

When Acute Sinusitis hits, it's hard to ignore. The telling signs are:

  • Thick yellowish mucus from the nose

  • Loss of smell

  • Nasal obstruction

  • Facial pain around the eyes, cheeks and forehead

  • Headaches

  • Fever

  • Cough

  • Post nasal drip

  • Bad breath

Treatment for Acute Sinusitis

Dr Valerie Tay, an experienced ENT specialist, will carefully evaluate your symptoms and may run some tests to get a more precise picture. These investigations can include a nasendoscopy (an examination of the nasal and upper airway passages using a flexible, thin tube with a camera and light at the end to look inside your nose and sinuses), CT scans, and nasal and sinus cultures, if required.

Acute sinusitis is usually addressed with a host of medical treatments. These may include oral antibiotics, intranasal steroids, oral steroids, nasal decongestants, nasal douches, and mucolytics.

However, if these treatments don't bring relief, Dr Valerie Tay will guide you to the next step. You may require Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) to open up your sinus passages to remove the infected mucus and allow the paranasal sinuses to drain effectively.

Trust Dr Valerie Tay to help you navigate your way to better health. Book an appointment today and start your journey to relief from acute sinusitis.

Don't let ENT conditions hold you back.

Connect with us at Aspire ENT clinic today, and take the first step towards a better quality of life.

If you are experiencing any concerns related to your Ear, Nose, or Throat health, contact us at Aspire Ear, Nose Throat and Snoring Clinic. Dr Valerie Tay is here to help you breathe well, sleep well, eat well, and live well.

Aspire Ear, Nose, Throat and Snoring Clinic

Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre #06-10,
3 Mount Elizabeth, Singapore 228510

Opening Hours (by appointment only)

Monday to Friday: 9 AM to 4.30 PM
Saturday: 9 AM to 12 PM
Sunday and Public Holidays: Closed

Contact Details

Tel: +65 6592 2118
Mobile: +65 9358 8060
Email: enquiry@aspire-ent.sg