Allergic Disorders

Allergic Disorders: My nose always runs

A runny nose can be a nuisance. Usually a nose that is very runny is also obstructed at nighttime, which can lead to poor sleeping habits and fatigue. Seasonal allergies cause a runny nose at a particular time of year. Perennial allergies result in a constantly runny nose. Vasomotor rhinitis is a condition that causes watery nasal discharge with eating, particularly hot or spicy food, as well as in cold weather. Any nasal discharge that interferes with sleep at night is worth investigating and treating. Evaluation includes examination of the nasal tissues and possibly allergy testing or a trial of antihistamines and nasal sprays.

Allergic Disorders: I have asthma

Often, uncontrolled nasal allergies or sinusitis aggravate asthma. Asthma patients who have trouble controlling their asthma or who have sinusitis or nasal allergies can be helped by better treatment of their sinus disease. Studies have shown that surgical correction of sinus disease in those patients who have both sinusitis and asthma significantly improves control of their asthma. We offer the combined capabilities of allergy testing and endoscopic sinus surgery by our surgeons.

Allergic Disorders: I think I have food allergies

One should try to distinguish between food intolerance (such as caffeine causing jitters) and a food allergy. Allergic symptoms include sudden nausea and diarrhea from food, hives, swelling of tissue in the mouth, and excessive phlegm. Milk allergies are a common problem in infants and may result in recurrent ear infections. Some food allergies, such as peanuts, can be fatal and should always be avoided. If you feel you may have food allergies, we would be happy to evaluate this problem.

Allergic Disorders: I have sinusitis

Sinusitis is the seventh most common chronic disease afflicting Americans. You may have symptoms such as facial pain or pressure, nasal obstruction, discolored nasal discharge, loss of sense of smell, headache, fatigue, pain in the upper teeth, or aggravation of asthma. At times, recurring sinus infections will develop after one very bad viral upper respiratory tract infection or acute sinus infection. The initial treatment for sinusitis consists of antibiotics, possibly decongestants, and treatment of associated allergies, as well as steam inhalation or nasal saline spray to allow the mucus to drain properly. Some patients will have repeated infections one winter only to become healthy once the summer arrives.

Patients with chronic infections in their sinuses or a repeated pattern should consider evaluation and treatment. Full evaluation requires examination by a physician and possibly allergy testing, a CAT scan of the sinuses, or nasal endoscopy to better visualize the nasal cavity and the sinus ducts. Newer techniques in sinus surgery are highly effective in restoring function and eliminating infections. Some patients who had surgery prior to 1985, using the older surgical techniques, can now be further helped by the newer approach to managing sinus disease.