You may dread seasonal change because you know how it can affect your body. While watching the leaves change or grow back can be beautiful, it may also come with sinus or other allergic flare-ups. The doctors at West Coast Ear, Nose, and Throat can help you manage your allergies in Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Oxnard, & Camarillo, CA.
What Are Common ENT-Related Allergies?
If you live in an area with lots of grass and trees, you may react to pollen from fresh-cut grass or spring's arrival. Mold is highly toxic and can cause a range of allergic reactions. It can be one of the main causes of asthma and red and watery eyes. Try to keep your home as clean as possible when dealing with allergies, as pet dander, dust mites, rodents, and cockroaches can all cause ENT symptoms.
How Do Allergic Reactions Show in the Ear, Nose, and Throat?
When you have allergies in Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Oxnard, & Camarillo, CA, you may experience hay fever. The formal name is allergic rhinitis, and it often causes a runny nose and nasal drip. Some people also experience sneezing and congestion. The throat is also affected in this condition due to postnasal drips that can occur.
Speaking of postnasal drip, it can irritate your throat and create soreness. You may experience difficulty swallowing if seasonal allergies inflame the esophagus. Keeping the throat moist by drinking plenty of water or using a throat spray can help. Saltwater rinses can also ease the area.
When you have sinus issues, your ears can also be affected. Pressure occurs in the ears due to sinus congestion. It may show up in ear pain or muffled hearing. It may even lead to an ear infection due to Eustachian tube issues.
Can a Doctor Help?
When you consult with the West Coast Ear, Nose, and Throat team, they can test you for specific allergies by running blood or skin tests. Once they have confirmed allergies, they may prescribe antihistamines and nasal corticosteroids.
They will also suggest lifestyle adjustments, like using a humidifier to keep the air and your throat moist. Make changes to avoid triggers and irritants that cause flare-ups. Keep windows shut after cutting the grass and during high pollen seasons. Immunotherapy can also help retrain the immune system and prevent ongoing reactions.
Living with allergies in Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Oxnard, & Camarillo, CA, doesn’t have to continue to cause discomfort. The West Coast Ear, Nose, and Throat team is experts in diagnosing and treating these conditions. To learn more about how doctors can help, schedule a consultation.
- Thousand Oaks, CA, (805) 484-5929
- Simi Valley, CA, (805) 527-7320
- Oxnard, CA, (805) 983-0395
- Camarillo, CA, (805) 484-5929