What is an ALLERGY? What are the Symptoms of Ear, Nose and Throat Allergies? llergy is a condition, often inherited, People often think of allergy as only “hay fever,” in which the immune system of the with sneezing, runny nose, nasal stuffiness and A affected person reacts to something itchy, watery eyes. However, allergies can also that is either eaten, touched, or inhaled that cause symptoms such as chronic “sinus” doesn’t affect most other people. The patient’s problems, excess nasal and throat drainage (post immune system reacts to this substance as if it nasal drip), head congestion, frequent “colds,” were an “enemy invader” (like a virus). This hoarse voice, eczema (skin allergies), recurring ear infections, hearing loss, dizziness, chronic reaction leads to symptoms that often adversely cough and asthma. Even stomach and intestinal affect the patient’s work, play, rest, and overall problems as well as excessive fatigue can be What causes Symptoms to Begin? quality of life. symptoms of allergy. Symptoms of ear, nose, There is no “usual” way for an allergy to begin; and throat allergies may include: the onset may be sudden or gradual. Often, Allergens Cause Allergies i Repeated sneezing symptoms develop following an unusual stress to the immune symptom, such as a severe Any substance that triggers an allergic reaction i Nasal itching and rubbing viral infection. is called an allergen. Allergens “invade” the i Nasal congestion body by being inhaled, swallowed or injected, i Runny nose Can an Allergy be Outgrown? or they may be absorbed through the skin. i Dark circles under the eyes No, but it is common for people to change the Common allergens include pollen, dust i Crease across bridge of nose way their allergic symptoms affect them. For example, a baby may develop colic, recurrent ear and mold. i Frequent throat clearing infections, or have eczema, but as it grows older, i Mouth breathing it may develop different allergic symptoms such i How Common are Allergies? Diminished/lost sense of smell/taste as hay fever, fluid behind the eardrum, or asthma. i Recurrent, unexplained nosebleeds Allergies are among the nation’s most common i How do we make the Diagnosis? and costly health problems. They affect as many Recurrent ear infections The initial or presumptive diagnosis of allergy is i Recurrent sinus infections as one in four people. More than 50 million made by history and physical examination. If one Americans have allergic rhinitis. The yearly i Fluctuating hearing loss wishes to be certain of the diagnosis and sales of antihistamines, decongestants, nasal i Cold-like symptoms more than 10 days proceed to treat the patient effectively, the cromolyn and nasal corticosteroids now i Symptoms recur same time each year findings must be confirmed by tests that identify the specific offending allergens. exceeds $5 billion. i Chronic fatigue i Symptoms can range from minor Who can treat my Ear, Nose, and to severe. Throat Allergies? The greater the frequency and/or amount of Because allergies can produce such a wide range exposure, the greater the chance that the of symptoms, there are a number of doctors, susceptible person will develop an allergic both specialists and primary care physicians, problem that will require treatment. who may be qualified to treat the allergic patient. Who should TREAT The American Academy of my Allergies? Otolaryngic Allergy

n Otolaryngic Allergist is able to The Amercian Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy diagnose and treat disorders of the A upper respiratory tract (ear, nose, (AAOA) is a group of specialty physicians throat etc.) caused by allergic conditions. Because the Otolaryngic Allergist is an ear, dedicated to the quality care of patients with nose, and throat surgeon and specialist (ENT), allergies of the ears, nose, and throat. other non-allergic diseases of the upper respiratory tract can also be efficiently They are board certified specialists What is an diagnosed and treated. in Otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat). ALLERGY? Half of the problems that an ENT doctor encounters are probably caused, either directly Members of the AAOA may attain the designation or indirectly, by allergy. Chronic nasal congestion and post nasal drip, seasonal or of Fellow (FAAOA) by meeting certain requirements, constant, is often allergic and may be complicated by chronic sinus and middle ear including passing a detailed examination disease. Hearing loss, dizziness, head-aches, weeping ear canals and chronic sore throats covering the practice of Otolaryngic Allergy. may be due to allergy.

The ENT doctor who does his/her own allergy treatment is able to follow the patient’s For more information about current Allergy progress with specialized examinations and Practice, please ask your Doctor or contact: medical and surgical treatment, such as polyp THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF removal, placement of middle ear ventilating OTOLARYNGIC ALLERGY tubes, straightening of the nasal septum, and treatment of sinus infections. 11130 Sunrise Valley Road Suite 100 Reston, Virginia 20191

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