Can An Ent Help With Allergies

What Causes Allergy Symptoms & Fever

Regardless of the cause, when you experience nasal congestion, mucus accumulates in your sinuses and can provoke bacterial growth. This bacteria buildup can lead to an infection, which causes a slew of symptoms, including a fever.

Many conditions can cause congestion and other allergy-like symptoms, including sinusitis, the common cold, the flu, or COVID-19. These conditions are easy to confuse with seasonal allergies, so it can be difficult to determine the actual cause of your congestion and fever.

Once you uncover the source of your symptoms, you can treat accordingly. Heres what to look for with each of these congestion and fever-inducing ailments:

The History Of Allergists And Ents In The United States

It will surprise many people to know that ENTs have been studying and treating allergies for over 100 years. More surprising is that otolaryngologists were some of the key researchers to develop our current testing techniques and immunotherapy treatment. In the early 1900s, some of the initial doctors studying allergic diseases, such as Dr. Joseph Goodale and Dr. R. Cook, were otolaryngologists. In the 1920s, Dr. French Hansel, an otolaryngologist in St. Louis, was one of the first physicians to show the effectiveness of the sublingual immunotherapy technique. This easy, safe, and effective immunotherapy technique is a cornerstone of treatment at Virginia, Ear, Nose, & Throat.

When Should You Visit An Allergy Clinic

In a few cases, you may identify by yourself the allergen that causes inflammation. For instance, if you have a food allergy, then you may notice an allergic reaction right after eating the food. You may experience swelling in your mouth and skin rash. Consequently, you prevent the reaction by avoiding certain types of foods. But on the other hand, you cannot understand specific allergens like dust allergies or other environmental problems and the following symptoms,

• Shortness of breath

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Who Needs An Otolaryngologist

Anyone suffering from an allergic disorder can be seen by an experienced otolaryngologist allergy specialist. Approximately 18% of our population suffers from allergies, making it one of the most common chronic illnesses. Billions of dollars are spent on allergy-related health care each year in the United States. Many people have accepted allergies as a mere way of life for themselves, rather than seeking the appropriate treatment.

Fortunately, many advancements are being made each year in the field of otolaryngology, and providers are better able than ever before to provide their patients with appropriate treatments that not only reduce allergy symptoms, but can help patients overcome or diminish the allergic reaction itself.

People that suffer from one of the following allergies would benefit from seeing an otolaryngologist who specialized in allergies:

• Animal dander

• Ongoing congestion in the sinuses or throat

• Congestion of the respiratory system

It is important that people realize that suffering from such symptoms should not be a way of life or a normal condition and that they can be treated for their condition.

How Do You Know If It Is A Sinus Infection Or Allergies

Even if you know you have a sinus infection, an allergy test can help determine if allergies are contributing to the symptoms, which helps you make smart choices about changes in your environment that can decrease the odds of repeat infections. A Board-certified Allergist can clarify if allergies are contributing to your symptoms or if nonallergic factors are causing your problem.

Are you wondering if you may be suffering from allergies?

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Baby Allergies: How A Pediatric Ent Doctor Can Help

Does your child suffer from allergies? Allergies exhibit an array of ear, nose, and throat symptoms in children. When nasal allergies affect your child, you need to visit an ENT specialist since they can escalate to other respiratory complications such as asthma.

Nasal allergies result in itching, sneezing, congestion, and sneezing. In most cases, such symptoms are caused by allergens such as pollen and dust, toxic mold, and dander. Note whether these symptoms recur at certain times of the year and discuss your findings with the doctor.

Its Even More Important At The Moment

Its even more important to get yourself checked out and improved these days, and this is something that plays a massive role in the process. Because of COVID-19, health centers and hospitals and medical professionals are rushed off their feet. You have to ensure that you take decisive action to deal with this as soon as possible because if its left too long you may not be able to get an appointment for months.

These days you need to be so careful with your health and wellness, and you are going to have to take steps to ensure that you make the most of this right now. It is essential that you are focused on working toward this right now, and getting the best possible outcome.

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Struggling With Allergies We Can Help

Have you been sneezing and coughing for weeks? Your persistent cold might actually be caused by an allergy. Luckily, the ear, nose and throat doctors at West Coast Ear, Nose and Throat in Camarillo, Oxnard, Simi Valley, and Thousand Oaks, CA, offer treatments that can ease your symptoms.

But I’ve never had allergies before!

Allergies can occur at any time in your life. No one is sure exactly why allergies develop when they do, but the unpleasant symptoms can affect you whether you’re 10 or 45.

Allergies occur when your body overreacts to a normally harmless substance like pollen or pet dander. Your body releases antibodies that begin to attack and destroy the substance. Unfortunately, this response tends to cause sneezing, watery eyes, hives, nasal congestion/runny nose, or gastrointestinal symptoms if you’re allergic to a food.

How can I tell what’s causing my allergy?

If your Camarillo, Oxnard, Simi Valley, or Thousand Oaks ENT suspects that you have allergies, they may recommend allergy testing to determine which allergens trigger your symptoms. Common allergens include:

• Dust mites

What can I do about my allergies?

Your ENT can offer treatments that prevent allergy symptoms from occurring when you’re exposed to allergens. Depending on the type and severity of your allergies, you may benefit from prescription antihistamines, decongestants, nasal corticosteroid sprays, oral corticosteroids, allergy shots, or epinephrine auto-injectors.

Allergy And Hay Fever

• Foreign particles abound in our environment and many people are especially sensitive to them
• When these particles cause an inflammatory reaction they are referred to as allergens
• Allergens can evoke a chain of events at the cellular level which are responsible for the well-known symptoms of nasal allergy

• These symptoms may be seasonal or year-long and can occur at any age
• Hay fever symptoms may include:
• Blocked nose
• Itchy eyes, nose or throat
• Tearing
• Puffy eyes or allergic shiners
• Post nasal drip

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Find Relief From Fatigue Caused By Allergies

Fatigue can be caused by allergies and this can be frustrating. But it doesnt have to be forever. Diagnosing and treating your underlying allergies is the best way to find relief from your symptoms, get better sleep, and wake up feeling rested. Being tired can negatively impact your quality of life in many ways, but an ENT expert can help you address your issues and get back to a life free from fatigue from allergies. Schedule an appointment to discuss your allergy symptoms with a specialist today.

Who Should Treat My Allergies

An Otolaryngic Allergist is able to diagnose and treat disorders of the upper respiratory tract caused by allergic conditions. Because the Otolaryngic Allergist is an ear, nose, and throat surgeon and specialist , other non-allergic diseases of the upper respiratory tract can also be efficiently diagnosed and treated. 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, head-aches, weeping ear canals and chronic sore throats may be due to allergy. The ENT doctor who does his/her own allergy treatment is able to follow the patients progress with specialized examinations and medical and surgical treatment, such as polyp removal, placement of middle ear ventilating tubes, straightening of the nasal septum,

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Differences Between An Allergist And An Ent

An allergist is a specialist trained in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of allergies. Allergists can provide allergy testing, immunotherapy treatments, asthma care, holistic treatments and related assistance.

An ENT treats medical issues of the ear, nose and throat, along with the head and neck. Many of these conditions could require surgical treatments, such as corrections to cartilage or bone. An ENT will usually treat structural issues that require surgery this differs from an allergist who specializes in diagnosing the allergen that is creating the inflammation or allergic reaction.

Why See An Ent Doctor To Treat Seasonal Allergies

By Chad Lockhart, March 28, 2022

Those suffering from seasonal allergies must overcome the daily challenges they cause. Whether patients know the specific allergens to avoid or not, one of the most important questions they seek an answer to is who should they turn to for help.

You might ask yourself, “Why would I see an ear, nose, and throat doctor to get my allergies treated? ” In fact, allergies are a very common disorder that ENT’s treat every day. Patients come to our office routinely complaining about problems such as nasal congestion, post nasal drainage, recurrent sinusitis, and cough. All of these symptoms may likely have allergies as the root cause. Addressing allergies is central in relieving these symptoms.

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Allergic Reactions & Allergic Symptoms

Allergy sufferers in Virginia commonly face symptoms such as itchy eyes, watery eyes, nasal congestion, puffy or swollen eyelids, sneezing, runny nose, nose congestion, and sometimes coughing. Certain times of year are worse for those who deal with allergy symptoms, such as spring when pollen counts are high or fall when mold counts are high.

Allergic reactions can be mild or even severe, resulting in allergic anaphylaxis. When you’re faced with the symptoms of seasonal allergies, it’s important that you’re seen by a physician who is experienced in idenitfying the cause of your allergy symptoms and treating them.

Treatment Of Ent Allergies

Allergy treatments are usually prescribed in the form of over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines. Antihistamines prevent the release of histamine and help to reduce symptoms. Decongestants and nasal sprays are also sometimes prescribed to clear nasal passages and improve breathing. Sometimes, allergy shots are recommended to gradually create a tolerance in the patient to the allergen. This is known as immunotherapy. By far, the most effective treatment for allergies of the ear, nose and throat is to avoid the offending allergens, but that is not always possible.

Limiting outdoor activities during certain seasons, avoiding contact with particular animals, wearing sunglasses and frequently washing the hands may reduce the severity of symptoms. For patients who have allergies to indoor allergens, such as dust and mold, it may be helpful to keep the indoor environment clean and to avoid the accumulation of moisture. Not using carpeting, in which mold can easily grow, may also be helpful.

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Causes Of Ent Allergies

ENT-allergy sufferers, although seemingly reacting to allergens, are actually being attacked by their own immune systems. When an allergic individual is exposed to an allergen, her or his body produces antibodies and releases a variety of chemicals, including histamine. Histamine is the chief precipitating cause of allergic response. In many cases, an allergic response to the allergen will not occur immediately upon exposure, but only after a certain threshold of exposure is reached. While the underlying causes of allergies are unknown, they are known to be hereditary.

Common allergens responsible for ENT allergies are present in the air, and may include dust, mold, animal dander and pollen. Allergies to plant pollens and mold can be seasonal, occurring only when certain plants or trees are in bloom, or when mold is produced by rotting leaves. Such allergies are also affected by weather conditions, particularly humidity and wind, and are commonly referred to as hay fever.

An Ent Can Reduce Your Risk Of Future Sinus Issues

If you have been dealing with constant sinus problems, it is time to sit down with an ENT specialist to discuss the possibility of a serious ENT problem. Did you know that individuals who suffer from sinus infections and sinus pain on a regular basis are more at risk of developing future infections as well as a variety of problems with the sinuses?

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How To Tell If Your Symptoms Are Due To Allergies

You may need to consult a doctor to determine the cause of your fever. A doctor will ask you questions and do a physical exam to understand symptoms and onset. Other tests can include a blood test, a stool or urine test, a throat swab, a mucus sample, or an x-ray.

If you suspect your symptoms are due to an allergy, you should make an appointment with a doctor. Your doctor may recommend consulting an allergist, someone who can test for and diagnose specific allergies.

Diagnosing an allergy requires several steps. These may include:

Symptoms Of Ent Allergies

Most allergies of the ear, nose and throat result in mild symptoms, which may, nonetheless, interfere with normal activities. Nasal rhinitis may result in sneezing, nasal congestion or a runny nose. Individuals with ear, nose and throat allergies may also suffer from headaches, and itching and soreness in the throat and ears. More severe reactions to ear, nose and throat allergies, including anaphylaxis, are far less common but may be life-threatening.

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What To Watch For And How To Help Your Child

Allergies in children are often caused by an abnormal immune system reaction to harmless things in the environment, such as food, dust particles, pollen, animals, or medications. Allergies can also run in the family and be passed down from parents to their children.

The ears, nose, and throat are organs that can be highly reactive to certain allergies. Particles in the air can cause sneezing, itchy eyes, ears, and nose, ear pressure, swelling of the face, tickling in the throat, and coughing. Eyes can become dry and red, and the nose can be runny. Kids can even get bruising under their eyes from allergies, or a crease on their noses just from rubbing an itchy nose too often.

The most important way to identify possible allergies is to watch your childs reaction to foods and different environmental settings. Food allergies can cause stomach aches, vomiting, and diarrhea, and may indicate a serious reaction to something your child ate or drank. Paying special attention to foods like peanuts, milk, eggs, wheat, and shellfish can help narrow down what your child might be allergic to.

Environmental and seasonal allergies may be bothersome, but they rarely cause serious issues. Outside, things like pollen, plants, and insect bites can cause a serious reaction. Inside, things like molds, dust mites, and exposure to animal fur/hair can also cause allergic issues.

What Can I Do If I Am Prone To Sinus Infections

Ways to help mitigate the symptoms of chronic sinusitis include:

• Consult with a Board-certified allergist to help determine if allergies are a cause for your symptoms.
• Application of a warm towel to the head, neck, and face to ease pain and pressure.
• Use of saline spray to keep nasal passages clean and decongested.
• Use of OTC decongestants, although these are not recommended as part of a long-term treatment plan.
• Use of a vaporizer or humidifier, especially during the dry winter months. Just be sure to clean the unit routinely, as unclean it poses more risks than benefits.
• Get a better understanding and management plan for allergies, which can be a trigger.
• Try to avoid smoke like cigarettes or even cars, which can inflame the nasal passages.

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What Conditions Do Otolaryngologists Treat

ENT’s can do surgery and treat many different medical conditions. You would see one if you have a problem involving:

• An ear condition, such as an infection, hearing loss, or trouble with balance
• Nose and nasal issues like allergies, sinusitis, or growths
• Throat problems like tonsillitis, difficulty swallowing, and voice issues
• Sleep trouble like snoring or obstructive sleep apnea, in which your airway is narrow or blocked and it interrupts your breathing while you sleep
• Infections or tumors of your head or neck

Some areas of your head are treated by other kinds of doctors. For example, neurologists deal with problems with your brain or nervous system, and ophthalmologists care for your eyes and vision.

Reasons To See An Allergist

A person will suffer from allergies when the immune system acts as if a particle is harmful to the body. These particles are typically harmless unless you are allergic, and such allergies can range from pollen and certain foods to pet dander. Allergic reactions can vary in severity, but if you notice that you are experiencing symptoms, you should see an allergist. Allergists or immunologists are medical professionals who can diagnose and treat any allergies you may be suffering from. An allergist can perform tests to see if you are allergic to certain particles, and if necessary, help you manage the symptoms non-surgically by prescribing or recommending medication. Some signs that you should contact an allergist include:

• Sinus and facial pressure
• Wheezing or coughing at night or after exercise
• Nasal congestion
• Asthma or allergies are affecting day to day life

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