The Benefits of Immunotherapy for Pollen Allergies
RAbout 81 million people in the United States[1] have seasonal allergies. Pollen sticks around from early spring to late fall. Depending on which type of pollen you’re sensitive to, you may experience allergy symptoms for a couple of months or the full season. Either way, symptoms that come and go with the seasons can make…
Setting Expectations for Each Stage of Allergy Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a long-term allergy treatment that takes upwards of five years to complete. When you settle in for a lengthy treatment, knowing what to expect at each stage can help you stay motivated to complete the entire process. First Six Months to One Year Immunotherapy begins with a build-up phase that lasts about six…
Are Allergy Shots or Drops Right for Me?
After you take an allergy test and decide that you want to undergo immunotherapy, you need to choose which method is right for you: subcutaneous (shots) or oral (tablets or drops). Let’s look at each type and some factors to consider as you make your decision. Allergy Shots Allergy shots consist of regular injections for…
How Does Allergy Immunotherapy Work?
When it comes to your allergy treatment options, you have a few that provide almost immediate relief, like over-the-counter medications and allergen avoidance (the practice of avoiding the allergen causing your symptoms), and longer-term options like immunotherapy, which can take anywhere from three to five years to complete. With such a long treatment time, it…
Reviewing Your Treatment Options After Allergy Testing
If you recently completed an allergy test, congratulations on taking the first step towards finding relief. After you find out what you’re allergic to, we’ll walk you through a few treatment options. Allergen avoidance, medication and immunotherapy are three standard options. Allergen Avoidance Allergen avoidance is the practice of cutting down your exposure to the…
Can I Take Antihistamines Before My Allergy Test?
Whether you’re sneezing in Gosnold’s Hope Park because grass pollen went up your nose, or developing hives after petting your neighbor’s new dog, allergy symptoms are no fun. When you’re dealing with symptoms, it helps to know the cause so you can develop an effective avoidance and treatment plan. The best way to pinpoint the…
Schedule Your Allergy Test This Spring
Allergy season is upon us; with it comes plenty of sneezing, coughing, hives and red, watery eyes for the 20% of U.S. people with allergic rhinitis.[1] If those allergy symptoms sound familiar to you, but you aren’t sure what’s causing them, it might be time to see an allergist. Let’s look at two types of…
Managing ENT Conditions During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a transformative journey, marked by numerous bodily changes as hormones shift and adjust. Among these changes, ear, nose and throat (ENT) health can be affected in surprising ways. Let’s explore some of the common ENT concerns during pregnancy and practical tips for managing them. Pregnancy Rhinitis A persistent stuffy or runny nose, known…
Functional Nasal Surgery at Hampton Roads ENT~Allergy
The ability to breathe well through the nose is vital for both health and quality of life, and restoring proper airflow requires a skillful hand. At Hampton Roads ENT~Allergy, experienced specialists can perform a variety of functional nasal surgeries to correct common obstructions such as septal deviation, interior turbinate hypertrophy, nasal valve collapse and nasal…
Are You Experiencing Seasonal Allergies or Mold Allergies?
You may be all too familiar with the congestion, runny nose, itchy eyes, scratchy throat and sneezing caused by seasonal allergies, AKA hay fever. But if your symptoms are still lingering at this point in the year, it may not be seasonal allergies at all, but a mold allergy. Below is a guide to help…