Allergies
Allergy is a medical condition in which the immune system of the affected person reacts adversely to something in the environment. People often think of an allergy as only “hayfever,” with sneezing, a runny and stuffy nose, and itchy, watery eyes. However, allergies can also cause symptoms such as chronic “sinus” problems, post-nasal drip, head congestion, frequent “colds,” recurring ear infections, hearing loss, dizziness, chronic cough and asthma. Even stomach and intestinal problems, skin rashes, headaches and fatigue can be symptoms of allergy. Affected patients may have allergies to both indoor (mold, dust, pets) and outdoor (weeds, trees, molds) substances.
Facts and Myths about Allergies
Myth: I only have symptoms two months of the year, so my allergies are not severe.
Fact: The severity of allergy can be measured only by an accurate allergy test; this may mean intradermal (needle) testing or a blood test called RAST. Not all allergy symptoms are the familiar sneezing/itching/watery eyes. For instance, ear infections, chronic cough, choking spells, nasal polyps, and hoarseness may be manifestations of allergies. You may have some of these symptoms during the year when you aren’t sneezing or congested, and they might still be caused by allergies.
Myth: I have tried many allergy medicines and they don’t seem to help. I have been on allergy shots for ten years. Further allergy testing or treatment is not going to help.
Fact: The purpose of allergy immunotherapy (shots) is to change your immune system to an extent that you no longer need shots or medicines. On average, patients should be on allergy immunotherapy no more than three to seven years. If you have been on allergy shots or medicines much longer than that, you may have developed new allergies that are no longer adequately treated by your current shots. You would benefit from re-testing and reformulating your serum.
Myth: I have been told that I’m allergic to milk, but there isn’t any way to test for it.
Fact: Food allergies are a complex subject in allergy treatment, because food allergies involve different parts of the immune system than inhalant allergies. In general, the best way to test for food allergies is with a blood test called RAST testing, and the best treatment is avoidance. You can bring questions about food allergies and childhood food allergies to our office for further discussion.
Myth: There’s nothing I can do about dust, and I’m not going to get rid of my pets.
Fact: Recent studied have shown that particles like dust mite antigens and cat dander are prevalent in society. They are found in many public places, including your post office, hospital, even allergist’s office. Although you cannot completely eliminate them from your home, we can show you useful measures to limit the quantity of particles you are exposed to. Useful allergy treatment must include elimination and containment of antigens, in addition to shots and medicines.
The doctors of NEO Associates are members of the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy (www.aaoaf.org). As Ear, Nose and Throat specialists, we diagnosis and treat allergies affecting these areas. Because the upper airway (nose, sinuses, and throat) is anatomically and physiologically linked to the lower airway (the trachea, bronchi, and lungs), we often see patients whose allergy symptoms will affect their breathing or asthma. These allergy-related problems can be quickly diagnosed and effectively managed in our office. An otolaryngic allergist attains fellowship status in the AAOA by passing an oral and written examination and is required to attend a number of post-graduate course and seminars.
Sinus Disorders
Sinuses are air-filled cavities surrounding the nose. Some of them are developed at birth; others continue to grow throughout childhood. “Sinus” problems account for a large percentage of visits to doctors’ offices each year.
Sinus symptoms might include pressure and pain around the nose, behind the eyes, in the forehead, in the cheeks, or in the upper teeth. There might be yellow or green drainage, nasal congestion, and a decreased sense of smell. There might be a foul odor in the nose. There may be continuous drainage from the nose into the throat that feels thick and tastes bad. There may be headaches when the weather changes or with changes of head position.
Many factors can contribute to sinus problems. Allergies cause swelling and leakage in the mucosa, or lining, of the nose. Allergies can decrease the ventilation to the sinuses and increase congestion. Sinus infections may occur more frequently and last longer.
Abnormal nasal and sinus anatomy may contribute to more frequent infections. For instance, deviations of the nasal septum or enlargement of the turbinates cause reduced airflow. The best way to see these changes in sinus anatomy is with a radiologic exam such as a computer tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
The doctors of NEO Associates treat acute and chronic diseases of the paranasal sinuses due to anatomical abnormalities, infectious, inflammatory and allergic causes. We utilize medical and surgical treatments of sinus disease, including Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS). Techniques of FESS were developed in the last thirty years to increase the safety and efficacy of sinus surgery with minimal bleeding and pain, rapid recovery, and excellent results.
You can find additional information about sinus disease and surgery through the Academy of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery (http://www.entnet.org/healthinfo/sinus/sinusitis.cfm ).