Ear, Nose and throat allergies are very common these days. Allergies are triggered by tiny particles in the air which are called allergens – these include tiny dust particles, smoke, pollen, etc.
When you breathe in these substances, they trigger the release of a chemical called histamine by coming into contact with the mucosa of our nose and throat. Some people are genetically more likely to develop allergies.
Symptoms include runny nose, sneezing, nasal block, itching sensation in the nose, throat and eyes, decreased smell, frequent ear and sinus infections and frequent nasal bleeding. Nasal allergy is known as Allergic Rhinitis and is one of the most common forms of allergy in the world.
Allergies usually develop in the childhood, but it is not unusual for adults and elderly people to develop allergies all of a sudden.
Treatment of ENT allergies depends on the severity and frequency of symptoms. Some people have relatively mild symptoms which develop occasionally. They are usually treated with medicines called Antihistamines which are used only when symptoms develop. There are others who have symptoms only in certain seasons- this is known as Seasonal allergy. They usually require treatment only during the offending season. Some patients have symptoms all around the year, which is known as Perennial allergy. These patients may need long term treatment aimed at preventing the allergic reactions.
Some patients with severe allergy develop swellings in the nose called polyps which may reduce their sensation of smell. Uncontrolled Nasal allergy also favours the development of Sinus diseases. These patients may need Allergy treatment and sinus treatment at the same time.
Some patients with ENT allergies may have other allergies like Asthma and skin allergies.
The commonly used treatments include oral medicines like Antihistamines, Leukotriene antagonists; Antihistamine and Corticosteroid Nasal sprays etc. Oral corticosteroids are used in case of severe symptom’s.
In some patients, Allergy testing may be done to find the allergens triggering the symptoms. Allergy testing results can help in avoiding the allergens. More importantly, by finding the triggering allergens, Immunotherapy can be started. Immunotherapy involves giving small doses of allergens into the skin or under the tongue systematically over a period of time, gradually modifying the allergy.
A relatively new class of medicines called Biologics are also now available. These
injections taken once or twice a month, effectively control severe allergies without any significant side effects.
So if you are suffering from Ear, Nose and Throat allergies, it is ideal to see your ENT doctor for allergy relief