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Barry Jacobs, MD, FACS Theodore Mason, MD Grant Moore, MD, FACS |
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Allergy Diagnosis and Treatment
By Holly Lorinser, RN Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeons of Western New England is again offering care for allergy sufferers with “traditional” skin testing and immunotherapy (shots). We continue to offer sublingual immunotherapy (drops). Being in the new Wason Avenue office affords us the space to again offer skin testing and immunotherapy. All of the doctors at Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeons of Western New England are board certified otolaryngologists and as such are well trained in the treatment and management of allergy. A registered nurse who has been extensively trained in allergy will be supporting the allergy practice. It is estimated that there are more than 60 million allergy sufferers in the United States. This is around 20% of the total population. Allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to something that you have been exposed to in the environment. The most common type of allergy is hay fever. Hay fever generally affects people in the spring and in the fall. However, there are numerous types of allergies and many of these can cause problems throughout the year. Some allergy symptoms include:
The doctors of Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeons of Western New England are in the unique position of combining their extensive knowledge of ears, noses, and throats with comprehensive allergy skills and knowledge so that you are properly diagnosed and treated. During your initial visit, your doctor or physician assistant at Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeons of Western New England will carefully review both your personal and family health history along with your current symptoms. In order to confirm your doctor’s initial diagnosis, further testing may be scheduled. There are three primary approaches to the treatment of allergy. The first approach is to simply avoid the allergen. Unfortunately, this is not always possible. The second approach is to use over-the-counter or prescription medications that may be recommended or prescribed by your physician or physician assistant to relieve your allergy symptoms. These may be antihistamines, decongestants and/or nasal sprays or drops. The third approach is called immunotherapy. When avoidance or medications do not successfully control your allergy symptoms, your Otolaryngic Allergist may suggest pursuing immunotherapy. Immunotherapy comes in two very different but equivalent forms – shots and drops. Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeons of Western New England has been offering drops (Sublingual Immunotherapy or SLIT) for the past two years. Through either shots or drops, your doctor can change your response to the allergen or allergens that are causing problems. Over time, shots or drops will eliminate or greatly reduce your need for medications. Both shots and drops work by desensitizing the patient to the allergens in question. Some common allergens include the numerous types of pollen, mold and household items as well as dog and cat and other pets’ hair and skin flakes (dander). Some of these are seasonal (pollen from grasses, weeds and trees, outdoor mold, outdoor insects) and some are year-round (animal dander, dust mites, mold, insects). For your safety, shots and testing are never performed without a physician being in the office. Both shots and drops take between three and five years to reach maximum benefit. Otolaryngic Allergists are best suited to treating all of your ear, nose and throat issues. Allergies are the common cause of many of the symptoms seen every day by the doctors and physician assistants of Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeons of Western New England. Otolaryngic Allergists can provide broad health care solutions for your issues that range from medical to surgical treatments.
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Ear, Nose & Throat Surgeons of Western New England, LLC
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