Millions of people suffer from nasal allergies. The most appropriate person to evaluate nasal allergy and sinus symptoms is our physician, the Otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose and Throat).
At Houston ENT & Allergy we have the one of the largest and the oldest Otolaryngic Allergy practices in our area. Our Physicians have over 40 years experience in treating allergic disease. Our professionally trained Allergy Technicians are both experienced and knowledgeable. We believe in continuing education to keep updated on changes and the latest procedures.
We treat both adults and children. Our skin testing is done mainly on the upper arm. Our testing technique involves placing a small amount of antigen under the first layer of skin, creating a “wheal”. The wheal is timed for ten minutes and then measured. We test for 34 antigens routinely. You may need more intradermal wheals depending on the extent of your allergic disease. We offer a numbing cream that can be applied one hour before the testing appointment to help alleviate any discomfort associated with the skin testing. As an added benefit, if your child is scheduled for surgery (ear tubes, tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy) we are able to skin test while your child is under general anesthesia.
Houston ENT & Allergy makes patient care our #1 concern. Our goal is to make your experience as pleasant as possible and get you the symptom relief you need. At any time you have questions concerning allergy testing and treatment, please contact our office and one of our experience Allergy Technicians will assist you.
Inhalants and Allergic Rhinitis
Allergies or Allergic Rhinitis is a disorder that occurs when your body detects foreign substances called allergens (triggers). Your allergies occur because your body’s defense system mistakes harmless allergens for something potentially harmful (such as bacteria). The symptoms of allergic rhinitis occur when a substance called histamine is released into the blood. The histamine causes the most common symptoms of allergies, such as sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, runny nose, itchy throat and a stuffy nose. Other less common symptoms a patient might experience include chronic sinusitis, dizziness, ear problems, rashes, hives and stomach problems.
We are able to test and treat a variety of allergy related disease processes, such as indoor and outdoor inhalants, stinging insects, and food and fungus allergies. Utilizing three techniques to manage allergies, the patient will receive the maximum relief of their symptoms:
- Avoidance
- Medications
- Immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual therapy)
Avoidance
The first line of therapy for allergies is avoidance. Knowing what activates your allergies through allergy testing allows you to avoid being exposed to harmful triggers.
Medication
Medications such as antihistamines, nasal sprays, steroids and decongestants may provide temporary relief, but do not address the underlying immune problem.
Immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual therapy)
- Immunotherapy is one of the only scientifically proven methods to control allergies for long-term benefits. Immunotherapy is ideal for those who cannot avoid their allergic triggers, have problems managing their allergies or do not like feeling “medicated”.
- Allergy shots are a once-a-week injection given in our office. You may take them to a physicians office closer to home, if needed. They have been proven to be very effective and have been used in the United States for many years.
- Sublingual Therapy is a convenient way of administering immunotherapy. They are very effective and have been the treatment of choice in Europe for many years. Drops are placed under the tongue twice a week at home. Insurance at this time does not cover Sublingual Therapy, and therefore is on a cash-only basis.
