Allergy
Do you experience runny nose, sneezing and nasal congestion in the same or every season? Do you seem to get "colds" often? If so, you may be suffering from allergies.
CAUSES
Allergies occur when the body overreacts to common things in the environment. Pollen from grasses and trees, molds, dust mites, and animal dander can all cause symptoms.
SYMPTOMS
Nasal symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and congestion are the most common. Other areas of the body can also be affected by allergies. Itching and watering of the eyes with redness, headache, intermittent ear plugging, sore throat, chronic cough, hoarseness, wheezing, and fatigue can also be experienced. Chronic sinus and ear infections, and even asthma may accompany allergies.
DIAGNOSIS
Your doctor may recommend evaluation to determine what you are allergic to. At the Sinus Institute of New Jersey, we offer in-office skin testing in 30 minutes or less. During skin testing a small amount of allergen is pricked into the skin. It is then checked for a reaction after waiting several minutes. You may develop a bump and redness at the site of testing if you are allergic.
MEDICATIONS
In addition to avoidance or allergens, a wide array of safe and effective medications can be used to control symptoms. If over-the-counter medications are not effective, your doctor may recommend prescription medications. The mainstays of allergy medication therapy are nasal steroid sprays and oral/nasal antihistamines. Nasal steroid sprays work by decreasing inflammation in the nose. The effect is not apparent immediately. It may take several days to weeks before you notice improvement. Your doctor will seek to tailor your medical therapy to your specific symptoms.
IMMUNOTHERAPY
Allergy shots, or immunotherapy, is a potential cure for allergic rhinitis. It can be useful in controlling allergy symptoms when avoidance measures and medications are unsuccessful. Immunotherapy is prophylactic and therapeutic, and may decrease the need for allergy medications. A method of immunotherapy which is gaining increased interest is called sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). In SLIT, drops or a tablet containing the allergen(s) are placed under the tongue. Several SLIT tablets have been approved for the treatment of grass, ragweed, and dust mite allergy in the United States.
YOUR VISIT
We will determine the best testing and treatment options for your allergies. We will work with you to develop a plan to get your allergies under control and help you feel your best. Schedule your visit or telemedicine virtual visit today. You can get a consultation from the comfort of your own home. Call (973) 973-2548 or email allergy specialist Dr. Wayne Hsueh (wayne.hsueh@rutgers.edu).