Are You Dealing With Allergies?

Do you have a difficult time with allergies during the spring and summer months? If you are tired of coughing and sneezing, it’s time to see an ENT specialist for allergy testing and treatment. The ear, nose, and throat specialists at Foothills ENT in Greenville, SC, provide a wide range of ENT services, including allergy testing and treatment.

What You Need To Know About Allergies

Allergy signs and symptoms can make your life miserable. The itchy, watery eyes, scratchy throat, and sneezing can ruin your day. You may just experience seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever. Seasonal allergies can be caused by an allergy to:

• Plant and flower pollens
• Trees and shrubs
• Weeds and grasses

If you experience allergy signs and symptoms throughout most of the year, environmental allergies could be the cause. You might be allergic to:

• Dust and dust mites
• Mold and mildew
• Pet dander and fur

Food allergies are another common problem. Some of the most common food allergies include:

• Seafood
• Dairy
• Peanuts

The first step in allergy treatment is allergy testing, to find out what you are allergic to. There are several types of allergy testing your ENT specialist may recommend:

Skin tests, involve injecting a tiny amount of the substance under your skin and watching for swelling, redness, or a rash. This indicates a positive reaction.

Challenge tests, involve ingesting a small amount of substance and watching for a reaction.

Blood tests, involve sending a blood sample to a laboratory where technicians test the blood against allergens.

When you know what you are allergic to, you may be able to avoid the substance. Avoidance is not always possible or practical. Your ENT specialist has several effective treatments for allergies, including:

• Allergy shots
• Sublingual immunotherapy
• Prescription-strength decongestants and antihistamines

You can also do a lot to modify your environment and reduce irritants in the air. You should:

• Vacuum and dust frequently
• Consider switching to solid flooring
• Use hypoallergenic sheets and bedding
• Install a HEPA filter in your bedroom
• Keep pets off furniture and out of your bedroom

Want To Know More About Allergies and Allergy Treatment?

To learn more about allergy testing and treatment, call the ear, nose, and throat specialists at Foothills ENT in Greenville, SC. Schedule an appointment today by calling (864) 234-7815. Call today.