Allergies are caused by your body’s immune system misinterpreting normal environmental factors as threats—such as dander, pollen, dust, mold, chemicals, and certain foods.
For those Americans who experience allergies every year—an estimated 1 in 5 people—there is always the hope that they can find sustainable relief from the sneezing, coughing, runny noses, and watery, itchy eyes, and many other symptoms allergies can cause.
We’re here to let you know that we can provide you the most up-to-date and effective techniques for managing your allergies, helping you understand more about the allergies that you or a loved one might be experiencing.
Our allergy specialists work with patients of all age populations, so if your allergy concerns are for yourself, a young child, or a more senior member of the family, we’ll proudly provide you the same comprehensive approach to allergy care your friends and neighbors have come to expect from Ear Consultants of Georgia.
Conditions We Treat
Allergies and Hay Fever
Allergies involve hypersensitivity of the body’s immune system to foods or foreign substances that don’t typically provoke other people. Hay fever or allergic rhinitis is a type of allergy triggered by pollen, pet dander, mold, or other environmental sources.
Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)
Allergic rhinitis or hay fever is a type of allergy triggered by substances such as pollen, pet dander, mold, dust mites, or other environmental sources. Symptoms can include sneezing, itchy eyes, postnasal drip, or other problems and may appear seasonally or throughout the year for weeks at a time.
Allergic Rhinitis, Sinusitis, and Rhinosinusitis
Allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and rhinosinusitis are connected but may seem confusing. Allergic rhinitis or hay fever is a form of allergy triggered by environmental sources such as pollen or pet dander, whereas the synonymous sinusitis and rhinosinusitis refer to inflammation of the sinuses and can be associated with hay fever, infection, or environmental irritants.
Treatment & Procedure Options
Immunotherapy
Think of your immune system as a team of bodyguards dedicated to guarding your health. They do a great job repelling common irritants like germs and bacteria, but sometimes a harmless substance sets off a false alarm, convincing your bodyguards to go on the attack. This results in the itching, inflammation, and a host of other symptoms you’re probably familiar with. This is what we call an allergic reaction.
Immunotherapy trains the body to reduce these false alarms. By exposing your immune system to increasingly stronger doses of an allergen through injections or drops, your team of tiny bodyguards will gradually learn the difference between the allergen and an actual health hazard.
Unlike other treatment options, immunotherapy targets the cause of the underlying condition rather than the symptoms, thereby reducing the effects of your allergies and improving your overall health.
According to research, the effects of immunotherapy can last 5–10 years or longer, allowing you to enjoy daily activities outdoors or the company of pets without watery eyes or a scratchy throat affecting your quality of life.
Antihistamines, Decongestants, and Cold Remedies
Antihistamines, decongestants, and cold remedies involve various types of over-the-counter medications to treat — not cure — symptoms of allergies or hay fever, as well as upper respiratory infections. Reading the labels, following instructions, and seeking professional advice are crucial to preventing overdose, avoiding harmful side effects, and ensuring the right medication for your specific symptoms.
Sinus Surgery
Functional endoscopic sinus surgery is typically an outpatient procedure aimed at opening the sinus drainage pathways. It’s a potential option when sinusitis persists or doesn’t adequately respond to other treatments such as medication.