Allergy & Asthma

Our ENT Physician with consult with to evaluate your medical history and will be followed by a physical examination. 

Skin Testing

Our ENT manages immune deficiency by treating ear, nose, and throat infections, working with immunologists for comprehensive care. 

Immune Deficiency

Our ENT Physician manages immune deficiency by treating ear, nose, and throat infections, working with immunologists for comprehensive

Immune Deficiency

Immunotherapy is a preventative treatment for allergic reactions to substances such as grass pollens, house dust mites, and bee venom.

Allergy Shots: Immunotherapy

Asthma

 Our ENT specialist expertly manages asthma, addressing respiratory complications and providing personalized treatment.

Asthma

Our ENT Physician expertly manages asthma, addressing respiratory complications and providing personalized treatment.

Our ENT physician specializes in diagnosing and treating allergies, providing targeted therapies and improve patients' quality of life. 

Allergies

Our ENT specialist provides expert care for pollen allergies, helping to diagnose and manage symptoms for better respiratory health

Pollen

SKIN TESTING & WHAT TO EXPECT

Skin testing by an ENT is a diagnostic procedure to identify allergies that may be causing ENT-related symptoms, such as nasal congestion or sinusitis.

Types of Skin Testing

  1. Skin Prick Test: Small amounts of allergens are applied to the skin through tiny pricks. A raised bump indicates an allergy.

  2. Intradermal Test: A small amount of allergen is injected under the skin. A reaction confirms an allergy.

  3. Patch Test: Patches with allergens are placed on the skin for 48 hours. Redness or swelling indicates an allergy.

Purpose

Skin testing helps diagnose specific allergies, guiding treatment plans and helping patients manage their symptoms more effectively.

What to Expect

The procedure is quick and generally well-tolerated, with results often available within minutes for skin prick tests.

ALLERGY SHOT: IMMUNOTHERAPY


Preventive Treatment: Immunotherapy gradually introduces increasing doses of allergens (like pollen, dust mites, or bee venom) to reduce the immune system's sensitivity, potentially leading to a cure for the allergy.

Process: Before starting immunotherapy, the patient and physician identify triggers, confirmed through skin or blood tests, to target specific allergens.

When Recommended: Immunotherapy is suggested for individuals sensitive to multiple allergens, especially when medications are ineffective or cause side effects.

Topic About Symptoms Triggers Diagnosis Management
Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever) A common allergic reaction to pollen and other airborne substances, leading to nasal inflammation. Sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, nasal congestion. Pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold. Physical examination, allergy skin tests, blood tests. Antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, avoidance of triggers, immunotherapy.
Hives, Rashes, Eczema Skin reactions characterized by red, itchy, and inflamed patches or bumps. Red welts, intense itching, dry or cracked skin. Food allergens, insect bites, medications, stress. Skin examination, allergy tests, patient history. Topical creams, antihistamines, identifying and avoiding triggers.
Food Allergies An immune response to specific foods, causing a range of symptoms from mild to severe. Hives, swelling, abdominal pain, anaphylaxis in severe cases. Common triggers include peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, dairy, eggs. Skin prick tests, blood tests (IgE), oral food challenges. Strict avoidance of trigger foods, carrying an epinephrine auto-injector for emergencies.
Peanut/Tree Nut Allergy A specific type of food allergy to peanuts or tree nuts, often severe and lifelong. Hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, anaphylaxis. Ingestion or contact with peanuts or tree nuts. Skin prick tests, blood tests (IgE), patient history. Strict avoidance, emergency epinephrine, education on cross-contamination.
Venom Allergy Allergic reactions to insect stings, particularly from bees, wasps, and hornets. Swelling at the sting site, hives, difficulty breathing, anaphylaxis. Stings from bees, wasps, hornets, or other venomous insects. Skin tests, blood tests (IgE), patient history. Venom immunotherapy, avoidance strategies, carrying an epinephrine auto-injector.
Ingredient Substitutes for Food Allergies Alternatives to common allergens in cooking, such as dairy, nuts, or gluten. Not applicable; focuses on prevention of symptoms. Allergic triggers in food ingredients like milk, eggs, or wheat. Identifying allergens via food testing and labeling. Using safe substitutes like almond milk, gluten-free flour, and egg replacers.
Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) A treatment that gradually increases tolerance to food allergens through controlled exposure. Temporary itching or swelling in the mouth, possible gastrointestinal discomfort. Specific food allergens, commonly peanuts or other tree nuts. Eligibility determined by allergy testing and patient history. Administered under medical supervision, with regular dosing and monitoring.

ALLERGIES: ENT PATIENT CARE

Allergy Information Overview

Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases (PI)

Primary immunodeficiency diseases (PI) consist of over 250 rare, chronic disorders where part of the immune system is either missing or functioning improperly. These conditions are not contagious and are typically caused by hereditary or genetic defects. While some PIs manifest at birth or in early childhood, they can affect individuals of any age or gender, impacting different parts of the immune system, from single components to multiple areas.

Common Features and Risks

All PI disorders share a common feature: a defect in one of the body’s normal immune functions. Since the immune system’s primary role is to protect against infections, individuals with PI are more susceptible to infections, which can occur in various parts of the body, including:

  • Skin

  • Sinuses

  • Throat

  • Ears

  • Lungs

  • Brain or spinal cord

  • Urinary or intestinal tracts

Symptoms and Complications

Patients with PI often experience frequent infections, persistent infections that are difficult to clear, or infections that are unusually severe. This increased vulnerability can lead to recurrent health issues and the development of serious, sometimes debilitating, illnesses.

ENT Management and Treatment

An ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist plays a crucial role in managing the symptoms and complications of PI, particularly when infections involve the sinuses, throat, ears, or respiratory tract. Here's how an ENT can help:

  • Diagnosis and Monitoring: ENTs are often involved in the early detection of recurrent infections in the ears, sinuses, and throat, which may signal underlying PI. Regular monitoring helps in identifying complications early.

  • Treatment of Infections: ENTs manage acute and chronic infections in the ears, sinuses, and upper respiratory tract, providing targeted therapies such as antibiotics, drainage procedures, and other interventions to prevent complications.

  • Surgical Interventions: In cases where structural issues exacerbate infections or when medical management is insufficient, an ENT may perform surgical procedures, such as sinus surgery or the insertion of ear tubes, to reduce the frequency of infections.

  • Collaboration with Immunologists: ENTs work closely with immunologists to ensure comprehensive care, combining infection management with treatments aimed at strengthening the immune system.

Overall Management

While PI presents significant health challenges, many individuals can lead full, independent lives with the right medical care. Early diagnosis and treatment by an ENT specialist, in collaboration with an allergist/immunologist, are essential in managing infections, preventing ongoing organ damage, and improving overall quality of life. With proper care, patients with PI can significantly reduce their risk of severe complications and maintain a good quality of life.

IMMUNE DEFICIENCY

Understanding and Managing Asthma

If you frequently experience shortness of breath, persistent coughing, or wheezing, you may have asthma—a chronic condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the bronchial tubes, affecting airflow in and out of the lungs. Asthma symptoms can worsen when exposed to allergens or other triggers that disrupt normal breathing patterns.

Prevalence and Causes

Asthma impacts approximately 26 million Americans, including 19 million adults and 7 million children, and is a leading cause of absences from work and school. The condition often runs in families, with about half of the cases linked to genetic factors and the other half to environmental influences. While there is no cure, effective treatments are available, particularly when managed by an allergist or an ENT specialist.

Types of Asthma

  • Allergic Asthma: Triggered by exposure to allergens such as pollen, pet dander, or dust mites.

  • Non-Allergic Asthma: Triggered by factors like stress, exercise, cold weather, illnesses, or irritants in the air.

Many individuals experience both allergic and non-allergic asthma.

Symptoms

  • Coughing

  • Shortness of breath

  • Chest tightness

  • Wheezing (a whistling sound, especially when exhaling)

Common Triggers

  • Outdoor allergens (pollen from grass, trees, and weeds)

  • Indoor allergens (pet dander, dust mites, mold)

  • Irritants in the air (smoke, chemical fumes, strong odors)

  • Respiratory illnesses (colds, flu, sinusitis)

  • Exercise and stress

  • Weather conditions (cold air, extreme humidity, wind)

Asthma Management and ENT Care

At our clinic, our ENT specialists play a crucial role in managing asthma, especially when it is complicated by conditions like chronic sinusitis or respiratory infections. We provide comprehensive care, including diagnosing asthma triggers, offering personalized treatment plans, and collaborating with allergists to ensure optimal control of your symptoms. If you experience severe or unpredictable asthma attacks, or if symptoms flare up more than twice a week, our team can help identify the causes and provide long-term treatment strategies to control or eliminate your symptoms, allowing you to live a healthier, more active life.

ASTHMA

An Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist, also known as an otolaryngologist, plays a vital role in diagnosing and managing pollen allergies, which can cause various symptoms primarily affecting the nasal passages, sinuses, and sometimes the throat and ears. Here's how an ENT can help with pollen-related issues:

1. Diagnosis of Pollen Allergies

  • Allergy Testing: An ENT can help diagnose pollen allergies through allergy testing, such as skin prick tests or blood tests. These tests identify the specific pollen types causing allergic reactions.

  • Sinus Examination: If you experience frequent sinus congestion or inflammation due to pollen exposure, an ENT can perform a nasal endoscopy or imaging studies (like a CT scan) to check for underlying sinus issues or structural concerns.

2. Treatment of Pollen Allergy Symptoms

  • Medications: ENTs may prescribe or recommend antihistamines, decongestants, nasal corticosteroids, and leukotriene inhibitors to reduce symptoms like sneezing, congestion, and itching.

  • Nasal Sprays and Irrigation: ENTs often recommend nasal irrigation (such as saline rinses) to flush out allergens from nasal passages, reducing symptoms. They may also prescribe nasal corticosteroid sprays for inflammation.

  • Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots): For long-term relief, ENTs may offer or refer you for immunotherapy, which involves gradually introducing small amounts of pollen allergens to help the immune system become less reactive over time. This can reduce the severity of pollen allergy symptoms over several months or years.

3. Sinus Relief and Management of Chronic Issues

  • Sinus Surgery: For individuals with chronic sinusitis worsened by pollen allergies, ENTs may recommend sinus surgery. This procedure can improve sinus drainage, reduce inflammation, and make allergy treatments more effective.

  • Education on Pollen Avoidance: ENTs can provide guidance on minimizing pollen exposure, such as using HEPA filters, keeping windows closed during high pollen days, and showering after outdoor activities.

4. Addressing Related ENT Issues

  • Ear and Throat Involvement: Pollen allergies can sometimes cause ear congestion or lead to a sore throat from postnasal drip. An ENT can treat these symptoms and recommend strategies to prevent complications, such as ear infections.

  • Monitoring for Secondary Infections: Allergies can increase the risk of secondary infections in the sinuses and ears. ENTs can diagnose and treat these infections early to prevent more severe symptoms.

An ENT can provide comprehensive care for pollen allergies, offering both immediate symptom relief and long-term solutions to improve quality of life, especially during high-pollen seasons.

POLLEN ALLERGIES