An allergy occurs when your immune system produces antibodies in response to a substance or particle it views as harmful. Allergy symptoms can be something you inherit at birth, can develop gradually overtime or can present themselves suddenly. The severity of allergies varies from person to person and can range from minor irritation to life-threatening. Allergies can affect everything from your skin to your airways to your digestive system.

Runny nose
Nasal congestion
Constant sneezing
Itching sensation in the eyes, nose, and throat
Reduced ability to smell or taste
Frequent ear infections and sinus infections
Frequent, unexplained nosebleeds
Experiencing cold-like symptoms for more than 10 days
Constantly feeling fatigued
Symptoms that recur at the same time every year

Hives or rashes
Swelling of the throat, tongue, lips or face
Mouth tingling
Trouble breathing
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Chest or abdominal pain
Dizziness or fainting

Hives or rash
Swelling at the sting or bite site
Shortness of breath

Persistent itching
Reddening
Flaking or peeling
Swelling
Dry, cracked patches
Clear fluid oozing

If left untreated, allergies may cause complications such as chronic cough, head congestion, recurring infection in the ears and sinus, hearing loss, and may even lead to asthma.

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. The body goes into shock - blood pressure drops, airways narrow making breathing difficult, sudden weakness and/or unconsciousness. To treat anaphylaxis, an injection of epinephrine is required followed by a trip to the emergency room. If you, or someone around you, are experiencing anaphylaxis, call 911 and go to the nearest emergency room.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will also want to perform a physical examination that evaluates the head and neck for signs of allergies. He/she will also be looking for alternative explanations for your symptoms in addition to conditions that may interfere with treatment, such as a deviated septum.

The only way to firmly diagnose an allergy is to perform an allergy test. The most common allergy testing method is a skin test, because it is quick and reliable. During a skin test, your doctor will expose your skin to possible allergens and track how your body responds. There are three types of skin tests: skin prick test, intradermal test, and patch test. In some cases, a blood test may be preferable to confirm an allergy diagnosis. Talk to your doctor regarding specific instructions before conducting allergy testing.

Treatments

Over-the-counter antihistamines such as oral tablets and nasal sprays
Steroids
Topical creams/gels
Immunotherapy
EpiPen

Immunotherapy

If avoidance of the allergen or allergy medications do not ease symptoms, your Otolaryngic Allergist may recommend a treatment option called immunotherapy. The practice of immunotherapy to treat allergies attempts to alter the body’s response to an identified allergen through small, regular doses of the allergen. Doses are given either through injection or, in some cases, by placing the allergen under the tongue. Over time, the body may change the way it responds to these allergens, alleviating symptoms and reducing the need for medication. Immunotherapy is the only method of treatment which has potential to alter the underlying disease - all other methods seek to reduce or eliminate symptoms.

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If you are experiencing any symptoms related to your ears, nose or throat, our team is ready to provide an evaluation and develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.

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