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Devoted to Your Care
Allergies
What is Allergy?
Allergy is a condition, often inherited, in which the immune system of the affected on reacts to something that is either eaten, touched, or inhaled that doesn't affect most other people. The patient's immune system reacts to this substance as if it were an "enemy invader" (like a virus). This reaction leads to symptoms that often adversely affect the patient's work, play, rest, and overall quality of life.
What are the symptoms of Ear, Nose and Throat Allergies?
People often think of allergies as only "hayfever," with sneezing, runny nose, nasal stuffiness and itchy, watery eyes. However, allergies can also cause symptoms such as chronic "sinus" problems, excess nasal and throat drainage (post nasal drip), head congestion, frequent "colds," hoarse voice, eczema (skin allergies), recurring ear infections, hearing loss, dizziness, chronic cough and asthma. Even stomach and intestinal problems, as well as excessive fatigue, can be symptoms of allergy.
Can an Allergy be Outgrown?
No, but it is common for people to change the way their allergic symptoms affect them. For example, a baby may develop colic, recurrent ear infections, or have eczema, but as the baby grows older, he or she may develop different allergic symptoms such as hay fever, fluid behind the eardrum, or asthma.
How common are Allergies?
Allergies are among the nation's most common and costly health problems. They affect as many as one in four people. More than 50 million Americans have allergic rhinitis. The yearly sales of antihistamines, decongestants, nasal cromolyn and nasal corticosteroids now exceeds $5 billion.
How do we make the Diagnosis?
The initial or presumptive diagnosis of allergy is made through a patient's history and physical examination. To be certain of the diagnosis and prescribe effective treatment, findings must be confirmed by tests that identify the specific offending allergens. Allergens cause Allergies. Any substance that triggers an allergic reaction is called an allergen. Allergens "invade" the body by being inhaled, swallowed or injected, or they may be absorbed through the skin. Common allergens include pollen, dust and mold.
Who treats Allergies?
Because allergies can produce such a wide range of symptoms, there are a number of doctors, both specialists and primary care physicians, who may be qualified to treat the allergic patient. Half of the problems that an ENT doctor encounters are probably caused, either directly or indirectly, by allergy. Chronic nasal congestion and post nasal drip, seasonal or constant, is often allergic and may be complicated by chronic sinus and middle ear disease. Hearing loss, dizziness, headaches, weeping ear canals and chronic sore throats may be due to allergy.
An Otolaryngic Allergist is able to diagnose and treat disorders of the upper respiratory tract (ear, nose, and throat and related head and neck regions) caused by allergic conditions. Because the Otolaryngic Allergist is an ear, nose, and throat surgeon and specialist (ENT), other non-allergic diseases of the upper respiratory tract can also be efficiently diagnosed and treated. The ENT doctor who does his/her own allergy treatment is able to follow the patient's progress with specialized examinations and medical and surgical treatment, such as polyp removal, placement of middle ear ventilating tubes, straightening of the nasal septum, and treatment of sinus infections.
How are Allergies treated?
The first, most basic treatment step, once an allergen has been identified, is to eliminate or avoid it if possible. Unfortunately, avoiding come allergens (such as dust, molds, and animals) is often difficult and thus allergen avoidance alone may not be effective. Medications can frequently control allergy symptoms. These may include antihistamines, econgestants, prescription nasal sprays and yther types of products. These medications can often control allergy symptoms, but they can also produce side effects in some people.
When allergen avoidance and medications do not successfully control allergy symptoms, the Otolaryngic Allergist can alter the body's overactive response. This is done by carefully challenging the patient's immune system through regular injections of the actual allergens to which a patient is sensitive. This treatment, very similar to the vaccination for infectious diseases such as the flu, can be administered after allergy testing has determined what has triggered the allergic response. Over time, it may be possible to actually alter a person's excessive response to these environmental allergens, both improving symptoms, and decreasing the need for dedications and allergen avoidance for many years. Thus, immunotherapy is unique in the sense that it alters the patient's reactivity to specific allergens.
Allergy treatment is not for amateurs. Please visit us if you suspect you have an allergy or an allergic reaction.
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