My 4-year-old daughter often wakes up in the middle of the night with a blocked or runny nose. Should this be a cause for concern? Would it help if she is not sleeping in an air-conditioned room?
Dr Bina Kurup, Consultant Family Physician, Raffles Medical
Your daughter’s symptoms do indeed suggest a sensitive nose or an allergic problem. In allergic rhinitis, symptoms may be triggered by house dust, dust mites, feathers or animal dander. An allergic problem is more likely if she also has eczema, asthma, drug allergies, or if other family members are similarly affected.
In another form of sensitive nose, where allergy tests will be negative, these similar symptoms may be triggered by changes in ambient humidity or temperature. In your daughter’s case, either of the above may be triggering her symptoms.
For a start, avoid sleeping in an air-conditioned room may help alleviate her symptoms, as she may be sensitive to the cold temperature or even the dust or moulds from the air-con vents. Hence, in addition, it is useful to clean and service the air-con units regularly.
As dust and dust mites are often common culprits, it also helps to minimise its exposure. This can be done by the following measures:
- Vacuuming the room and wet-wiping surfaces regularly
- Avoid carpets, stuffed toys and heavy drapes
- Change feather pillows to the foam variety
- Washing bedclothes twice weekly
- Use of dust-proof cover over mattress and pillows
However, as her problem is likely to be an inherent, genetic tendency, there is usually no permanent cure but the episodes may be minimised by some of the above measures.
If her symptoms continue to bother her, she should see a family doctor for further evaluation, medication and appropriate treatment.