An ENT specialist helps people who suffer from disorders of the ears, nose, and throat. These doctors can help people affected by allergies using a number of treatments. If you're tired of dealing with the hives, itchy nose, and watery eyes caused by allergies, an ENT doctor can help. Here are four allergy treatments and services that an ENT specialist can provide:
1. Allergy Testing
Pinpointing the cause of your allergies is the first step to finding relief. You may have an idea of what triggers your allergic reactions, but there may be allergies you have yet to discover. An ENT specialist can administer an allergy test to determine what your allergies are. Allergy tests are usually conducted in the form of scratch tests. Your allergist will create a grid on your back or arm. They will scratch each square of the grid with a needle coated in one of several allergens. Your doctor will note the results, which will determine your allergies.
2. Avoidance Counseling
In many cases, avoiding substances that trigger your allergies is the best course of action. Not all allergies may be avoided, but many can be. If you're allergic to nuts, gluten, or other foods, it's best to avoid dishes made with those ingredients. People who suffer from pet allergies should avoid being around the animals that trigger their allergy attacks whenever possible. An ENT specialist can give you advice that will help you limit your exposure to common allergens.
3. Oral Medication
Oral medication can be very helpful when it comes to treating allergies. When your body has an allergic reaction, it produces histamines. Histamines are responsible for the unpleasant symptoms of an allergy attack, such as itching and hives. Antihistamine drugs inhibit your body's ability to produce this substance, which can prevent you from developing allergy symptoms. Many people take non-drowsy antihistamines on a daily basis to control their allergies.
4. Allergy Shots
Allergy shots can benefit people with severe allergies and those who cannot avoid their allergy triggers. If you suffer from seasonal allergies brought on by pollen, allergy shots can reduce the severity of your symptoms or eliminate them entirely. Your ENT specialist will inject you with a small amount of an allergen. You may suffer from a minor allergic reaction after the shot is administered, but over time, your body will become desensitized to the allergen. Allergy shots are typically administered several times per week initially, although maintenance shots can be given monthly.