ALLERGIES
Imagine life without allergies. We have helped thousands of people.
While some allergic reactions may be mild, patients who suffer from allergies are at increased risk for asthma, sinusitis, ear infections, eustachian tube dysfunction, nasal obstruction and obstructive sleep apnea.
At Clear Lake Medical Center ENT, we have On-Site Skin Allergy Testing to aid in tailoring your treatment plan.
With roughly 50 million people in the United States suffering from allergies, it is one of the major causes of illness in the country.
What are Allergies? Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to a foreign substance (for example, a certain food, pollen, or pet dander), causing variable symptoms including nasal congestion, postnasal drip, pain or pressure in the face, headaches, itchy eyes, itchy ears and much more.
When a person comes into contact with a trigger (pollen, mold, or something else), the body creates a protein antibody called IgE. These antibodies identify an allergen as a foreign substance and potentially harmful. They latch onto the allergen and cause release of histamine and other chemicals into the blood. This then results in a variety of allergy symptoms that may affect the airway, sinuses, nasal passages, digestive system, and skin.
- Hay fever refers to allergies affecting the upper airway and includes sneezing, nasal congestion, sinus pressure pain, and a runny nose.
- Food allergies can result in tingling around the mouth, localized or generalized swelling, rashes or hives involving the throat, tongue, face, lips or body.
- Drug allergies can result in wheezing, rashes, hives, joint pain, and more.
- Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that causes shortness of breath, chest tightness, low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and can potentially be life threatening. The first time you notice such symptoms, it is important to contact an ENT doctor or emergency room immediately.
Allergies can have an impact on your child’s ability to breathe, sleep, and concentrate in school. Allergens such as pollen, mold, dust and other airborne contaminants trigger histamines within your child’s body. This creates symptoms associated with asthma, sinus pain, wheezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy eyes, ears, nose and throat. Children with significant allergies are also at higher risk for recurrent ear infections due to the close relationship between the ears and the nose (the ears drain to the back of the nose through a channel called the eustachian tube). Chronic inflammatory nasal drainage from allergies can also lead to enlarged tonsils and adenoids. When these tissues enlarge to the point of becoming obstructive and affect the quality of sleep of your child, their physical development, tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy may be necessary.
- Weeds: Pollinate in late July, peak from August through October, and continue until the first hard freeze.
- Grasses: Pollinate starting around March through September, and peak May through June.
- Trees: Pollinate in February and continue to shed pollen through June.
- Dust Mites: Microscopic organisms that thrive on human skin cells, found on pillows, mattresses, and carpets.
- Molds: Live and thrive indoors and outdoors in moist dark areas. Mold is especially prevalent in Houston due to its high humidity, frequent flooding, and warm weather for most of the year.
- Animals & Insects: Dander and protein found in waste and/or saliva may cause irritation.
Get Allergy Relief
Are you experiencing nasal congestion, postnasal drip, runny nose, facial pain or pressure, or headaches?
Our ear, nose & throat (ENT) providers will work closely with you to find an effective treatment plan to provide allergy relief as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you. When you do make an appointment, you will need to complete our allergy testing and treatment instructions and allergy history paperwork.
For more information, give us a call at (281) 332-4575.
Consultation
Struggling with persistent allergy symptoms like itchy eyes, congestion, or fatigue and home remedies are not working? Schedule a consult to explore treatment options and get relief today. Call (281) 332-4575.
Allergy Testing
We test all ages, adults and children from age 5, based on tolerance. If medications don’t control your allergy symptoms well, your ENT & allergy provider might suggest testing to pinpoint your triggers and sensitivities.
Treatment
Take control of your allergies and alleviate symptoms. Based on sensitivity shown by redness, swelling, and itching, a second titration study is performed to determine dosing for immunotherapy treatment.