Allergy & Sinus

Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is one of the most common chronic conditions in the US.

Individuals with allergic rhinitis develop allergy antibodies (IgE) targeted against allergens including pollen, animal proteins, dust mites, mold, and insect droppings. When these IgE antibodies bind allergens, nasal and sinus inflammation can occur resulting in recurrent symptoms of:

Itching of Nose, Mouth, Throat
Sneezing
Runny Nose
Nasal Congestion
Headache
Sleep Disturbance

Allergic rhinitis is known to adversely affect quality of life by:

Impairing Daily Activities
Decreasing Work Productivity
Impairing Cognitive Function
Disturbing Sleep

Allergists are considered the experts in allergic rhinitis and diagnose this condition by history and most commonly allergy skin tests (specific IgE blood tests can also be completed).

The goals of allergy treatment are to relieve and prevent allergy symptoms, reduce the impact of allergens on other chronic conditions (if present) including asthma and chronic sinusitis (please see below), and ultimately, improve quality of life.

The three primary options in the treatment of allergies are:

Avoidance Measures
Medications
Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots)

Immunotherapy can be a highly effective tool in the treatment of allergies.

By visiting an allergist, you too can take control of your allergies and improve your quality of life.

Sinusitis

Sinusitis refers to inflammation of the sinuses and is one of the most commonly diagnosed conditions in the US. Sinuses are hollow, air filled cavities in the skull located in the nose, the cheeks of the face, the forehead, and behind the eyes. When the sinuses become inflamed and/or obstructed symptoms of sinusitis can occur including:

Runny Nose
Postnasal Drip
Nasal Congestion
Reduced Sense of Smell
Facial Tenderness
Productive Cough

Causes of and conditions that predispose to sinusitis include:

Infection
Allergens
Smoking
Deviated Septum
Nasal Polyps
Ciliary Defects
Immune System Disorders
Cystic Fibrosis
Aspirin Sensitivity

Allergists are experts in sinusitis and diagnose this condition by history, rhinoscopy, and imaging of the sinuses. Allergists can also complete skin testing to assess for any allergenic triggers in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

The goals of sinus treatment are to prevent and relieve sinus symptoms.

Treatment options are varied and depend on the underlying cause(s).

By visiting an allergist, you too can take control of your sinusitis and improve your quality of life.

Conditions Treated

Allergy Shots

Allergy immunotherapy, also called “allergy shots,” is prescribed to modify the immune system’s response to allergens with the goal of minimizing and/or preventing an allergen initiated inflammatory response.
Allergy Drops & Tablets

Allergy drops, and tablets are two forms of sublingual immunotherapy that are injection-free alternatives to allergy shots. Both contain environmental allergen such as pollen, dust mites, molds, cat, or dog.
Asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung condition that usually starts in childhood but can occur at any age. Allergists are considered the experts in asthma and diagnose this condition by history, exam and breathing tests of the airways.
Allergy & Sinus

Allergic rhinitis is one of the most common chronic conditions in the US. Individuals with allergic rhinitis develop allergy antibodies (IgE) targeted against allergens including pollen, animal proteins, dust mites, mold, and insect droppings.
Food Allergy

Food allergy affects 5% of children and 4% of adults in the United States and is defined as an adverse health event that is immune mediated and occurs reproducibly. Individuals with IgE mediated food allergy develop allergy antibodies (IgE) targeted against food allergens.
Allergic Rashes

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin disorder that usually starts at age < 5 years. It is characterized by itchy skin that becomes inflamed with scratching. For this reason, atopic dermatitis is known as the “itch that rashes.”
Other Conditions