Allergies

Allergies are a major health problem and cost the society many millions of dollars in school and work missed and in the cost of both prescription and over-the-counter medications. Allergies, hay fever, and colds are terms that are used interchangeably. They describe symptoms of runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, and sneezing.

Allergies or "seasonal allergic rhinitis" is a condition in which foreign substances such as pollens, cat dander etc come into the nose, eyes, or throat and trigger a response from the immune system. The symptoms of allergies (runny nose etc) are a side effect of this immune response. This reaction is a normal reaction which protects the body from harmful substances. However, in some people the immune responses can become excessive. This is when a patient becomes "allergic" to that foreign particle ("allergen").

Hay fever is a type of allergy caused by pollens such as from ragweed. Ragweed allergy is from late August into the fall. Springtime allergies include many grasses and trees. In addition to seasonal allergies, certain substances can cause allergy problems all year long (yes, you can have allergy problems all year long!). This include house dust, pet dander, and food allergies.
Treatment of allergies includes environmental control and the use of both prescription and over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants, and steroids. "Shots" are given for severe allergies to try to build up protective antibodies to try to cure allergies.

Allergies can contribute to the development of infections which require antibiotics. Allergies can also cause problems such as polyps and nasal obstruction for which surgery is often needed.
If you or a loved one suffers from allergies, please call our office to schedule a consultation with one of our physicians.