Allergy

Allergies can affect your breathing, sinuses, ears, and throat, causing persistent symptoms that interfere with daily life—but with proper evaluation and treatment, long-term relief is possible.

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Allergies in Florida

You are not alone if you suffer from allergies. Allergies are very common, affecting an estimated 50 million Americans, which is one in every six people in the United States. A wide array of allergens may trigger an allergic reaction in sensitive people through the air, by touch, or by ingestion. They can appear at any age, and can even disappear in childhood only to reappear in adulthood.

What are Allergies?

An allergy is an exaggerated immune response or reaction to substances that are generally not harmful. Those who have allergies are sensitive to more than one thing. Often, substances that cause reactions include:

Pollen
Dust mites
Mold spores
Pet dander
Food
Insect stings
Medicines

It is believed that both genes and the environment contribute to your allergies. Many people believe an allergy is merely “hay fever,” with sneezing, a runny nose, nasal stuffiness, and itchy, watery eyes. However, allergies can also cause symptoms such as chronic sinus problems, postnasal drip, head congestion, frequent colds, recurring ear infections, hearing loss, dizziness, chronic cough, and asthma. Stomach and intestinal problems, such as skin rashes, chronic headaches, and fatigue, can be symptoms of allergies. Allergies can affect your ears, nose, and throat, among other areas of your body.

How Allergies Affect Your Ears, Nose, and Throat

When you suffer from allergies, the symptoms can range from a stuffy nose to an ear infection or sore throat. Depending on your allergy, various parts of your body, such as your ears, nose, and throat, can be significantly affected.

Ears

One of the most common medical problems in children is otitis media, or middle ear infection. These infections are especially common in early childhood. They are even more common when children suffer from allergic rhinitis as well. Allergic inflammation can cause swelling in the nose and around the opening of the ear canal. The swelling has the potential to interfere with the drainage of the middle ear. When bacteria-laden discharge clogs the tube, infection is more likely.

Nose

Allergies can cause inflammation inside the nasal passages, leading to swelling and congestion. This swelling may block the openings to the sinuses, preventing proper drainage and sometimes resulting in a sinus infection. Common symptoms include a stuffy or itchy nose, sneezing, and increased mucus production. Allergens such as pollen, dust, or pet dander can trigger these reactions and may also lead to coughing or wheezing in some cases.

Throat

Various allergens may also lead to the formation of too much mucus, which can make the nose run or drip down the back of the throat, leading to “post-nasal drip.” It can lead to cough, sore throat, and a husky voice. Although more common in older people and in dry inland climates, thick, dry mucus can also irritate the throat and be hard to clear. Air conditioning, winter heating, and dehydration can aggravate the condition as well.

The best way to avoid your symptoms is to avoid what causes your allergies in the first place. With help from your ENT doctor, you can successfully control and alleviate your allergy symptoms. Your ENT doctor will perform various tests in order to come to a proper diagnosis, allowing you to breathe easily.