THE next time you dismiss your itchy eyes and congested nose as minor irritations, consider this: Experts say such common symptoms, caused by allergic rhinitis (AR), can affect work and school performance.
AR is caused by an allergic response to certain airborne substances such as house dust mites. Sufferers experience cold-like symptoms affecting the nose, throat and eyes. These range from a stuffy or runny nose to itchy, red and watery eyes, and can occur irregularly or all year round.
"AR is not a life-threatening condition, but many people underestimate its impact on daily activities," said Dr Samuel Yeak, president of the Society of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Singapore, at a media conference last week.
According to Dr Yeak, about 730,000 people here suffer from this condition. And 44 per cent of them are children, who are less able to cope with the symptoms, added Dr Lee Bee Wah, an adjunct associate professor at the Department of Paediatrics at the National University of Singapore, and president of the College of Paediatrics and Child Health Singapore.
He said studies have found that adolescents with moderate to severe AR symptoms have a 50-per-cent increased risk of dropping an exam grade.
"Nasal congestion can affect quality of sleep. The symptoms of AR can also be very tiring and adversely affect performance in school or at work. Imagine how exhausting it would be if you kept sneezing or if your eyes were constantly itchy," explained Dr Lee.
However, only about half of AR patients seek medical help, and most of them ask only to be relieved of their nasal symptoms, said Dr Yeak.
"Often, patients are told by their GPs that it's just a runny nose. Many cases are undertreated, and people just live with their symptoms."
Presently, intranasal steroids (INS), a type of nasal spray, is the recommended treatment for relieving moderate to severe AR nasal and eye symptoms, even for children, said both doctors.
For mild cases, anti-histamines can help, said Dr Yeak.
"Many parents are worried that using nasal steroids may be harmful for kids, but the types of INS currently available are actually very safe and have no side effects on children," he added. Eveline Gan
From TODAY, Health – Tuesday, 22-Sep-2009
BEWARE – BE PREPARED
What is Influenza A (H1N1)?
2009 Influenza A (H1N1) (previously referred to as 'new strain of swine flu') is a new strain of influenza virus that spread from human to human. Influenza A (H1N1) is a viral respiratory disease that presents flu-like symptoms.
What are the sings and symptoms of infection?
The symptoms of Influenza A (H1N1) are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu. There symptoms can vary in severity from mild to severe, and include the following:
What can I do to protect myself and others against the Influenza A (H1N1)?
Practise good personal hygiene and be socially responsible by:
- Washing your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water, especially before touching you eyes, nose or mouth.
- Turning quickly away from anyone near you if you are about to cough or sneeze, and do not cough or sneeze at him.
- Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of the tissue properly in the dust bin after use.
- Avoiding crowded places if you are unwell and wear a surgical mask to cover your nose and mouth.
- Staying home from work or school when you are sick.
- Using a serving spoon when sharing food at meal times.
Also, leading a healthy lifestyle helps to build up your immunity and protects you against infection.
- Eat a balanced diet, including plenty of fruit and vegetables.
- Be active. Do 30 minutes of physical activity at least 5 days a week.
- Learn to relax and have enough sleep and rest.
- Do not smoke.
Treatment
There are antiviral medications available to treat Influenza A (H1N1), such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza). They fight against the Influenza A (H1N1) virus reproducing itself in the body. When taken early (within 2 days of the appearance of symptoms), these medications may:
- Reduce the severity of the infection with faster recovery from the illness.
- Prevent serious complications.
How does Influenza A (H1N1) spread among humans?
Spread of Influenza A (H1N1) is similar to seasonal flu. It can be spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks. It can also be spread when a person touches a contaminated surface and then touches his or her nose or mouth.
Is Influenza A (H1N1) infection serious?
Influenza A (H1N1) infection in humans can range from mild illness to serious and life threatening illness. Deaths from pneumonia and respiratory failure have been reported with Influenza A (H1N1) infection.
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- If you have travelled to any Influenza A (H1N1) affected areas and have developed fever (temperature > 38°C) with either cough, runny nose or sore throat within 7 days after your return, please call 993.
- If you have close contact with a person with Influenza A (H1N1) and have developed fever (temperature > 38°C) with either cough, runny nose or sore throat within 7 days, please call 993.
- Provide your doctor accurate information regarding your recent travels and contact with any persons suspected of having flu.
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This health message is brought to you by Health Promotion Board. For more information,
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As a precaution, take supplements
THE next time you dismiss your itchy eyes and congested nose as minor irritations, consider this: Experts say such common symptoms, caused by allergic rhinitis (AR), can affect work and school performance.
