subject: Are Allergies And Hay Fever Keeping You Down? Find Relief Now. [print this page] With spring just around the corner, your allergies may begin to worsen. Appearing at any age, and even disappearing in childhood only to reappear in adulthood, allergies can often be disrupting and irritating for your day-to-day life. With constant sneezing and itching, it is important to talk to your Manhattan ENT for more information on how you can find relief for your your allergies this season.
Millions of Americans suffer from nasal allergies, commonly known as hay fever. Often fragrant flowers are blamed for the uncomfortable symptoms, yet they are rarely the cause. An ear, nose and throat specialist can help to determine the substances causing your discomfort and develop a management plan that will help make life more enjoyable for you this season.
What are Allergies?
An allergy is an exaggerated immune response or reaction to substances that are generally not harmful. Those who have allergies are sensitive to more than one thing. Often, substances that cause reactions include:
*Pollen
*Dust mites
*Mold spores
*Pet dander
*Food
*Insect stings
*Medicines
It is believed that both genes and the environment surround you contribute to your allergies. Many people believe an allergy as merely "hay fever," with sneezing, a runny nose, nasal stuffiness and itchy, watery eyes.
However, allergies can also cause symptoms such as chronic sinus problems, postnasal drip, head congestion, frequent colds, and recurring ear infections, hearing loss, dizziness, chronic cough and asthma. Stomach and intestinal problems, such as skin rashes, chronic headaches and fatigue can be symptoms of allergies. Allergies can affect your ears, nose and throat, among other areas of your body.
Relief for Your Allergies
Allergies are rarely life threatening, but can often cause lost workdays, decreased work efficiency, poor school performance and a negative effect on a person's quality of life. For some allergy sufferers, symptoms may be seasonal, but for others it is often a year-round discomfort. Allergy symptom control is most successful when multiple management approaches are used simultaneously. These may include minimizing exposure to allergens, desensitization with allergy shots, and medications or other therapies.
Allergy shots, also called immunotherapy, are given to increase your tolerance to the allergens at large that provoke allergy symptoms. It is usually recommended for people who suffer from severe allergies or for those who have allergy symptoms more than 3 months each year. These shots can potentially cure allergies, while every other modality just treats symptoms.
Additionally, your ENT may suggest sublingual therapy, which is a method that uses an allergen solution given under the tongue. Over the course of treatment, it reduces sensitivity to allergens, similar to that of the allergy shot. Sublingual therapy is safe and is given at home in adults and children.
If you are experiencing symptoms that may be related to an allergy, start by visiting your ENT. Your ENT in Manhattan can help diagnose and treat your allergies, making this fall a more enjoyable season.
