Allergies affect approximately 50 million Americans each year, making it the 6th most chronic illness in the U.S. The annual cost of allergies to the healthcare system and business in the U.S. is $18 billion. Allergy symptoms range from making you miserable to putting you at risk for life-threatening reactions (anaphylaxis). At Integrated Ear, Nose & Throat in Lone Tree, CO, our ENT physicians provide comprehensive allergy evaluation and treatment for patients in Lone Tree, Castle Rock, and Highlands Ranch, CO.
An allergy occurs as a result of a hypersensitive immune response to a substance that either enters the body or touches the skin. Normally, your immune system fights germs, but with an allergic reaction, the body makes an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE). Allergy symptoms occur when the body’s immune system begins to respond to a substance as though it were a dangerous invader (called an antigen). The body sends out defenders called antibodies to the site and chemical mediators, such as histamine, into the bloodstream. These antibodies respond to allergens, and the symptoms that result are an allergic reaction. An allergic reaction usually triggers symptoms in the nose, lungs, throat, sinuses, ears, the lining of the stomach, or on the skin. Allergies can also trigger symptoms of asthma.
Common symptoms are itching, watery eyes, sneezing, nasal stuffiness, or a drippy nose. Some people have drainage down the back of their throats, hoarseness, or cough. Skin irritation, hives, and asthma are other symptoms that can be related to allergies. Sometimes, allergies can contribute to chronic sinus problems as swollen membranes in the nose block sinus drainage pathways.
What Causes Allergies?
Allergies are an abnormal response by your immune system to a substance that is normally harmless. When this substance, known as an allergen, is inhaled, swallowed, or comes in contact with your skin, your immune system defends your body by releasing chemicals (such as histamine) to attack what it thinks is an invader. This causes a chain reaction in your body that then produces symptoms that affect the ears, nose, throat, sinuses, lungs, stomach lining, or skin. Allergies can also trigger asthma and contribute to chronic sinus problems.
What are the Symptoms of Allergies?
People often think of allergies as only “hay fever,” with sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, and itchy and/or watery eyes. However, allergies can also cause symptoms such as chronic “sinus” problems, nasal drainage (postnasal drip), hoarse voice, eczema (skin allergies), recurring ear infections, hearing loss, cough, asthma, stomach and intestinal problems, as well as excessive fatigue and headache, can be symptoms of allergy.
What are Common Allergens?
Pollens, mold, dust, feathers, animal dander, foods, chemicals, insect stings and medications can cause allergic reactions.
Pollens
Pollens are substances released by plants seasonally. Seasonal allergens include grasses, trees, and weeds. Early springtime allergies are most often caused by pollens to trees. Summer pollens come from grasses. Late summer and fall allergens include weeds. Flowering plants rarely cause allergy symptoms. Often fragrant flowers are blamed for the uncomfortable symptoms, yet they are rarely the cause; their pollens are too heavy to be airborne.
Household allergens
Certain allergens are present all year long. These include dust mites, pet dander, and molds. Symptoms caused by these allergens can worsen in the winter when the house is closed up, due to poor air ventilation.
Mold
Mold spores also cause allergy problems. Molds are present all year long and grow both outdoors and indoors. Dead leaves and soil are common sources for outdoor molds. Indoor plants, old books, bathrooms, and damp areas are common sources of indoor mold growth.
How are Allergies Diagnosed and Tested?
There are several ways to identify what a patient is allergic to. Allergy testing can be performed through skin or blood testing.
The skin test is an excellent diagnostic tool that measures which allergen causes an actual reaction and provides detailed information. Integrated ENT uses the Modified Quantitative Method, combining skin prick and intradermal testing, typically on the forearm and on upper arms. Testing takes 40-90 minutes.
Blood testing is available when skin testing is not appropriate, based on other medical conditions or medications.
Testing allows us to determine if allergies are present, what a patient is allergic to, and how severe the patient's allergies are. We can then discuss treatment options from environmental avoidance of allergies, medication options, and immunotherapy options.
At Integrated ENT, we offer allergy testing to patients aged 5 and older. We test a comprehensive panel of allergens based on the most common environmental allergens in the area. These include trees, molds, grasses, weeds, dustmites, and pet danders.
How are allergies treated?
Although allergies cannot be cured, they can be effectively managed. Symptom control is most successful when multiple approaches are used together to manage the allergy. This may include reducing exposure to known triggers, medications, and allergy shots or drops (immunotherapy).
Our ENT physicians create individualized treatment plans based on symptom severity, lifestyle, and identified allergens.
What is immunotherapy?
Patients who are unable to obtain relief in their symptoms by reducing exposure to allergy triggers and with medications may be candidates for immunotherapy. Immunotherapy retrains your immune system to no longer react to allergens by introducing very small amounts of the allergen into your body over a period of time. Immunotherapy may be accomplished either with allergy shots (also known as subcutaneous immunotherapy or SCIT) or with drops under the tongue (known as sublingual immunotherapy or SLIT).
Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT)
- Treatment: allergy shots
- Administered: In your physician’s office
- Frequency: Weekly
- Payment: Covered by most insurance plans
Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT)
- Treatment: Drops taken orally
- Administered: In your home
- Frequency: Daily
- Payment: Not covered by insurance; out-of-pocket expense for patient
Why should I see an ENT for my allergies?
An Otolaryngic Allergist is able to diagnose and treat disorders of the upper respiratory tract (ear, nose, throat etc.) caused by allergic conditions. Because the Otolaryngic Allergist is an ear, nose, and throat surgeon and specialist (ENT), other non-allergic diseases of the upper respiratory tract can also be efficiently diagnosed and treated. Half of the problems that an ENT doctor encounters are probably caused, either directly or indirectly, by allergy. Chronic nasal congestion and post nasal drip are often allergic and may be complicated by chronic sinus and middle ear disease. Hearing loss, sore throats, and ear infections may be due to allergy. The ENT doctor who does his/her own allergy treatment is able to follow the patient’s progress with specialized examinations and medical and surgical treatment, such as polyp removal, placement of middle ear ventilating tubes, straightening of the nasal septum, and treatment of sinus disease.
Allergens
The most common allergens that cause a reaction include pollen, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, food, insect stings, and medicines.
Pollen allergies (also called hay fever) are common causes when patients have seasonal problems. In the early spring, tree pollens, such as Juniper and Cottonwood, can cause allergy symptoms. In late May and June, grasses are the culprit. Then, after a brief lull in July, weed pollen (such as ragweed, sage, and tumbleweed) may cause fall symptoms.
Perennial allergens are substances that may affect us all year long. These include pet dander, foods, and molds.
Symptoms of a Severe Allergic Reaction
Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) can be life-threatening, requiring immediate emergency care. Call 911 if you or a loved one is experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Throat Swelling
- Shortness of Breath
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Cramping
- Low Blood Pressure
- Fainting
- Swollen or Itchy Lips or Tongue
Skin manifestations, such as hives, swelling, and flushing are usually in conjunction with the other symptoms listed above.
Diagnosing Allergies
Our ENT physicians are highly qualified to diagnose, test, and treat allergic diseases. After a careful history and exam, if an allergy is suspected, we will have you meet with our allergy nurse who will review all your medications and schedule you for allergy testing. These tests help identify which particular allergens trigger your symptoms.
Once the testing has been completed, we will develop a customized treatment plan for you. There are three basic, accepted approaches to allergy treatment: avoidance of offending allergens, medications that treat symptoms, and immunotherapy or desensitization to allergies with shots or drops. Our doctors will help guide you in making these choices.
Allergy Testing
Common allergy triggers include pollen, pet dander, mold, dust mites, food, and latex. There are several different ways to test for these allergies. Our practice uses the Modified Quantitative Method (MQT), which combines skin prick allergy testing and intradermal testing. By combining both types of tests, doctors can arrive at a more accurate list of allergens that a patient has shown for positive reactions.
For this test, the skin of your forearm is pricked with a plastic device and depending on your response, we may do some intradermal injections in the upper arm. We will test for 29 different allergens including cat dander, dust mites, mold, and pollen. We do not do skin testing for food allergies, however, we can order a blood test for food allergies if the physician feels it is medically necessary.
Your skin test appointment generally takes 40-70 minutes depending on the results. We require that you wear a short sleeve or sleeveless shirt for your own comfort. For their safety and comfort, we ask that you leave infants and children with a caregiver. If you have asthma and have an inhaler, please bring it with you to your testing appointment.
Upon completion of your allergy test, we will apply Cortisone cream to your arms. If itching and redness continue, you may reapply Cortisone or Benadryl cream at home. If you have any delayed large reaction(s) on your arms, please call the office.
Skin Testing
This is the most common type of allergy test (“prick” testing) where a small drop of the allergen is introduced into the skin using a puncture or scratch device. If you are allergic, you will experience a little swelling at the site. The results of this test are usually available within 15-20 minutes.
Intradermal Testing
This testing uses a very small needle (syringe) to place a small amount of the allergen under your skin. Intradermal tests are often done when prick test results are inconclusive or a second test is needed to confirm results.
Prior to having a prick test or intradermal test, patients should not take any antihistamines for 3-5 days, as they can block the accuracy of the testing and can result in false-negative results.
For other medication restrictions and information on insurance benefits, please read through our page on “Preparing for Your Allergy Testing,” at least 2 weeks prior to your testing appointment to ensure you are prepared.
Blood Testing
Blood testing is another option for patients, especially for those who cannot stop taking their antihistamine or who have a skin condition that causes skin tests to be unable to be read. It is also recommended for detecting food allergies and food sensitivities. Allergy blood tests detect and measure the amount of allergen-specific antibodies in your blood, and if you test positive your doctor may recommend allergy shots.
Treatment Options Available for Allergies
While there are no cures for allergies, they can be managed with prevention and treatment. Don’t suffer from symptoms needlessly. Get the help you need.
There are various allergy treatments available such as lifestyle adjustments (including avoidance of the substance that causes the reaction), medications, and immunotherapy (allergy shots and allergy drops). Your doctor will recommend which treatment is best for you depending on the type of allergy you have
Allergy Care in Lone Tree, CO
If allergy symptoms are interfering with your daily life, a professional evaluation can help. Integrated Ear, Nose & Throat proudly serves patients in Lone Tree, CO, serving Castle Rock and Highlands Ranch, CO.
Call (303) 706-1616 to schedule your allergy evaluation today. You may also request an appointment online.
