Nasal & Sinus

Nasal, Sinus and Eye Allergies:

Nasal allergies (allergic rhinitis) and sinus allergies (allergic sinusitis) are common. Symptoms of nasal allergies include nasal congestion, sneezing and itching of the nose. These symptoms are sometimes associated with itchy, watery eyes known as allergic conjunctivitis. Common sinus allergy symptoms are sinus pressure, headache, post-nasal drip and cough. Nasal and sinus allergies are often associated with recurrent sinus infections. Children with these allergies can also have recurrent ear infections.

Common allergens that cause nasal sinus and eye allergies include pollens (grasses/trees/weeds), dogs, cats, dust mites, molds and various foods. Allergy skin testing is used to identify the allergens that cause these symptoms. A typical panel of 72 allergens will identify many of the common allergens that are responsible for your symptoms.

Medications, in addition to environmental control measures and dietary intervention (when indicated), successfully control symptoms of nasal, sinus, and eye allergies. When symptoms are year round or more severe, allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots) are a very effective therapy for adults and children with these conditions.

Allergy shots are not a medication but contain allergens that produce immune tolerance to the allergens that cause your allergic symptoms. The course of allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots) is typically 3-5 years. Studies show that allergy shots will decrease symptoms and medication use for patients with nasal, sinus and eye allergies.