Allergy symptoms like repeated sneezing and streaming eyes are frustrating and distressing. Call Vitale Ear, Nose & Throat in Wesley Chapel or Zephyrhills, Florida, if you’re suffering from allergies. The practice’s experienced ENT doctors provide an allergy testing service and a range of effective treatments. You could benefit from medication that reduces your symptoms or find long-term freedom from allergies using immunotherapy. Call Vitale Ear, Nose & Throat today or book an appointment online to find a solution to your allergies.
Allergies are caused by an exaggerated immune system response. Your immune system sees the substances that trigger an allergic reaction (allergens) as threats even though they’re harmless.
When you inhale, swallow, or touch an allergen, your immune system defends your body by releasing chemicals to attack what it views as an invader. These chemicals cause unpleasant symptoms like:
Allergies are common in children but can develop at any age. A child whose mom or dad suffers from allergies is more likely to get allergies. Some people also develop allergic asthma, where their allergies cause asthma attacks.
Hundreds of substances can trigger allergies. Common allergens include:
Your ENT doctor at Vitale Ear, Nose & Throat examines you and reviews your medical history to determine what’s triggering your allergies. They’ll also ask questions about your symptoms.
Allergy testing involves pricking the skin on your arms, legs, or back with a needle. Your doctor at Vitale Ear, Nose & Throat applies allergens or their extracts to the tiny holes and labels them. If hives or a rash appear, it confirms that you have an allergy to that substance. Alternatively, your doctor can take a blood sample for lab analysis.
Some allergies are preventable by avoiding contact with your allergens. For example, removing a specific food from your diet prevents the allergic reaction if you're allergic to it.
You can limit your exposure to airborne allergens by purchasing allergy-safe bedding, staying indoors during peak pollen times, and investing in a dehumidifier to reduce moisture in the air.
Early exposure to potential allergens can boost a child’s immune system so that allergies don’t develop.
If prevention isn’t enough to control your allergy symptoms, Vitale Ear, Nose & Throat offers various medications that can ease your symptoms. These include:
If medication doesn’t give you relief, Vitale Ear, Nose & Throat offers immunotherapy. This treatment introduces tiny amounts of the allergen that affects you into your body over a long period. Immunotherapy builds up your immune system’s tolerance of the allergen so that it no longer triggers severe allergic reactions.
Immunotherapy requires you to have regular injections (allergy shots) or sublingual (under the tongue) drops. It can take several months, even years, for your immune system to accept the allergen.
Call Vitale Ear, Nose & Throat today or book an appointment online to find effective relief from your allergies.