Allergy testing and treatment plays a very important role in your care at Topeka ENT. Allergies (chronic or even seemingly mild ones) can cause prolonged ear and respiratory illness that can last months, years and even a lifetime. If poorly managed, allergies can lead to more serious problems- including sinusitis, ear infections and bronchitis.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a method of allergy treatment that involves introducing small amounts of allergen to your body and then gradually building up doses over a period of time until you develop an immunity. Allergy testing will be performed before a treatment is formulated. There are two types of immunotherapy treatments: subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), also known…
Non Pharma Treatments
Non-pharmacologic therapy refers to treatment that does not involve medicine. Allergy sufferers have several options for drug-free treatment of their symptoms, depending on the allergen triggers. The best treatment for your allergies is avoidance. While medications will help you deal with the symptoms, they do little to help treat the problem long-term. If you are…
Allergies are a widespread condition that affects approximately one out of every five Americans. They occur throughout the year in all types of climates and can be triggered by pollen, mold spores, dust mites, animal dander, food, chemicals, medications and other environmental irritants.
With so many possible causes, finding the source of your allergic response is crucial to treating the symptoms.
Allergies are an exaggerated immune system response to a substance that is otherwise harmless. Identifying the trigger is necessary in order to formulate a treatment plan. This requires allergy testing. A doctor will review your medical history, ask questions about your symptoms and administer either a skin or blood test.
Once the allergen trigger is found, treatment can begin. There are three types of allergy treatment available.
Prevention
The least invasive treatment method for allergies is avoiding the triggers responsible for your symptoms. This is most effective if you are suffering from food or pet allergies, but less likely to succeed for those allergic to pollen, molds and dust mites.
Steps can be taken to reduce exposure, but it’s difficult to completely eliminate these substances from your life. Strategies include running the air conditioner during hot, dry weather, limiting outdoor activities during peak pollen-producing times, buying allergy-proof bedding and using a dehumidifier.
Medications
Certain medications can be effective in reducing the severity of your allergy symptoms. These include antihistamines, decongestants, corticosteroids, nasal sprays, eye drops and mast cell inhibitors. While these don’t cure your allergies, they may at least make life tolerable.
Immunotherapy
This option may be helpful for individuals who are unable to avoid allergens and do not find relief from medications. Immunotherapy, often referred to as allergy shots, involves introducing small amounts of the allergen into the body, allowing it to build up a tolerance.
Small doses are gradually increased until a maintenance level is reached; treatment then continues for three to five years until immunity is achieved. The procedure is considered safe and effective, and has been approved by the FDA.
A new, alternative form of treatment called sublingual immunotherapy relies on droplets of extract instead of injections and can be self-administered at home. It has not yet been approved by the FDA, but studies show it is every bit as effective and has fewer risks of side effects.
Call Topeka ENT at 785-233-0500 for more information or to schedule an appointment.