Allergic Rhinitis in Toddlers: Will They Outgrow It? A Singapore Parent’s Guide
- Oaklife Family Clinic
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
What Allergic Rhinitis Looks Like in Toddlers (Especially in Singapore)
If your toddler has been rubbing their nose and eyes throughout the day, waking up with a runny nose, or scratching until the skin around the nose becomes red, they may have allergic rhinitis. This condition is very common in Singapore because of our humidity, indoor allergens, and high dust mite exposure.
Unlike the flu or a cold, allergic rhinitis is not caused by a virus. It happens when a child breathes in allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, mould, pollen or haze particles.
Typical symptoms in toddlers include:
Persistent clear runny nose
Itchy or scratchy nose
Frequent nose or eye rubbing
Morning sneezing
Dark circles under the eyes
Redness or scratches around the nose
Mouth breathing or snoring
Because toddlers cannot explain discomfort, parents often notice behaviours first. Many children rub their face unconsciously and develop a habit that worsens the irritation.
At Oaklife Family Clinic, we often see toddlers who appear cheerful and active but experience ongoing itchiness or congestion that affects comfort, sleep and attention.
Why Allergic Rhinitis Happens: Singapore’s Most Common Triggers
Dust Mite Allergy in Toddlers
Dust mites are the number one trigger in Singapore. Our warm, humid climate allows dust mites to thrive in:
Mattresses
Bolsters
Pillows
Carpets
Stuffed toys
Even a small amount of dust can trigger hours of itchiness in a sensitive child.
Singapore data shows that allergic rhinitis affects up to 50 per cent of children aged 4 to 17 years. Dust mites and cigarette smoke are the most common triggers.
Air Quality, Haze and Pollution
Haze periods, construction dust and indoor pollutants can worsen symptoms quickly.
Other Triggers
Pet dander
Mould in older homes
Sudden temperature changes
Perfumes, diffusers and strong cleaning products
For children who also fall sick frequently, you may find our guide helpful: Why Is My Toddler Always Sick
Do Toddlers Outgrow Allergic Rhinitis?
This is one of the most common questions parents ask.
Will My Toddler Outgrow It
Some toddlers do improve as they grow older, especially if triggers are well controlled. However, children with a strong family history of sinus issues or allergies may continue to have symptoms into later childhood or adulthood.
What the Evidence Shows
Research in Singapore has found:
Allergic rhinitis affects about 24 per cent of the general population
Among children aged 4 to 17, the prevalence can reach up to 50 per cent
About 40 to 50 per cent of children may see improvement by late childhood
About 40 per cent of children with allergic rhinitis also have asthma
Up to 90 per cent of children with asthma have associated allergic rhinitis
Early management reduces chronic inflammation, improves sleep and prevents complications like sinus infections.
Daily, Weekly & Monthly Routines to Manage Allergic Rhinitis
Parents often feel overwhelmed, but a structured home routine helps tremendously.
Daily Routine
Sterimar or saline spray to wash allergens out
HEPA air purifier at night
Fan or air-con with moderate humidity (50–60%)
Evening bath to rinse off allergens
Use fragrance-free soaps and detergents
Read our guide to cough in children if symptoms happen together:
Weekly Routine
Wash bedsheets in hot water (60°C)
Vacuum and sun mattresses
Wipe surfaces with a damp cloth
Wash stuffed toys (many can be put in a laundry net and machine-washed)
Sun soft toys if they can’t be washed
A helpful method: Freeze stuffed toys for 12–24 hours to kill dust mites — then wash or sun-dry them.
Monthly Routine
Deep clean air purifiers & replace filters
Check home for mould
Declutter dusty shelves and storage areas
Should You Remove Stuffed Toys
There is no need to remove comfort toys. They support emotional regulation and security.
What parents can do instead:
Allow only one or two stuffed toys in bedRotate toys so each one stays cleaner
Wash or sun toys regularly
Use the freezer method for sensitive items
Should You Inform Preschool Teachers
Yes. Teachers can help by:
Observing rubbing or scratching
Keeping your child away from dusty corners
Minimising carpet exposure
Informing you of haze days or cleaning days
Schools usually appreciate this information.
Treatment Toddlers Commonly Receive
Paediatricians in Singapore often prescribe:
Mometasone (Nasonex) — reduces inflammation
Oral antihistamines for bad flare-ups
Saline rinse before spray for best effect
At Oaklife Family Clinic, we ensure dosage is age-safe and personalised.
Can Allergic Rhinitis Lead to Other Conditions
Allergic rhinitis can be associated with:
If your child has more than one allergic condition, managing each one helps improve overall wellbeing.
For skin related symptoms, see: Child Rash: When to Worry and When to Wait
When to See a Doctor
Visit a GP or pediatrician if your toddler has:
Snoring or persistent mouth-breathing
Poor sleep due to itchiness
Frequent nosebleeds from scratching
Symptoms >4 weeks
Swollen, watery eyes (allergic conjunctivitis)
Recurrent cough or sinus infections
For assessment, visit us:
Oaklife Family Clinic (CHAS-approved)
592G Balestier Road, Singapore 329902
Tel: 6980 8568
FAQ: Allergic Rhinitis in Toddlers (Singapore)
Q: Why do toddlers in Singapore develop allergic rhinitis so early?
A: Singapore’s humid climate encourages dust mites and mould, and toddlers spend more time indoors where these allergens accumulate. Genetics also plays a major role.
Q: Can allergic rhinitis affect my toddler’s sleep or behaviour?
A: Yes. Itchiness, congestion and mouth breathing can disrupt sleep, leading to tiredness, irritability and shorter attention spans during the day.
Q: Is allergic rhinitis seasonal in Singapore?
A: No. Unlike countries with pollen seasons, allergic rhinitis in Singapore typically occurs all year. Symptoms may worsen during haze periods or in dusty indoor environments.
Q: Can allergic rhinitis affect school activities?
A: Yes. Nasal congestion can reduce concentration, and some children cough more during physical activity because airflow through the nose is limited.
Q: How do I know if my toddler’s symptoms are getting worse?
A: Worsening signs include persistent mouth breathing, snoring, frequent waking, nosebleeds from rubbing, severe eye itchiness or daily coughing not linked to infection.
Q: Can toddlers with allergic rhinitis still have pets at home?
A: Usually yes. Many toddlers react only to dust mites. If symptoms worsen around pets, simple steps like keeping pets out of the bedroom and using HEPA filters can help.
Q: Are air purifiers useful for toddlers with allergic rhinitis?
A: Yes. HEPA air purifiers help reduce airborne allergens in bedrooms, improving sleep and morning congestion when used consistently.
Q: Does air-conditioning make allergic rhinitis worse?
A: Not if maintained well. Clean air-con units reduce humidity, which slows dust mite growth. Problems occur when filters are dirty.
Q: Should I limit outdoor play for my toddler?
A: Only during haze or high PSI days. Otherwise, outdoor play is safe and beneficial for overall health.
Q: Is long-term medication like nasal sprays safe for toddlers?
A: Yes, when prescribed by a doctor. Paediatric nasal steroid sprays act locally in the nose and have a strong safety record when used as directed.
Q: Can allergic rhinitis lead to asthma?
A: Not always. Some children have both conditions, but allergic rhinitis does not automatically progress to asthma. Persistent coughing or wheezing should be assessed separately.
Q: When should I ask for a specialist referral?
A: When symptoms persist despite home measures, when your child snores heavily, has recurrent sinus infections, or if you need help identifying specific allergens.
