Allergies come about when the immune system responds to certain foreign substances like dust, pet dander, or pollen among others. The severity or intensity of allergic reactions differs from individual to individual and could range from mild irritation to a potentially fatal condition called anaphylaxis. Although most allergies are not curable, the right treatments could significantly alleviate allergy symptoms.

Here at the Century Ear, Nose & Throat, Head & Neck Surgery, we offer allergy management treatments to help you better manage your allergies. You can consult one of the ENT doctors in our Evergreen Park, New Lenox, or Orland Park, IL, offices to obtain evidence-based treatments that will help you live well even with allergies.

Allergy Prevention is Immensely Vital

Preventing allergy reactions will greatly depend on your specific triggers. With this in mind, general precautions usually include:

• Figure out your triggers and avoid them as much as possible. For example, if pollen is a trigger for you, keep all doors and windows closed or stay inside during the pollen season. Also, if dust mites are a trigger, wash your bedding regularly.
• Keep an allergy trigger journal. When trying to figure out what worsens or causes your symptoms, monitor your activities, when symptoms appear, and what helps when you have an allergic reaction.
• Wear medical alert jewelry. This will let other people know about your serious allergy in the event that you experience an allergic reaction and you can’t communicate.

Common Allergy Medicines

Depending on what kind of allergy you have, medicines could help decrease the reaction of your immune system and ease your symptoms. You may need to take OTC prescription or OTC medicines with antihistamine and/or steroids.

Immunotherapy

For more severe allergies or those that don’t respond to common treatments, your doctor may suggest immunotherapy. This will entail a series of shots that contain purified extracts of your specific allergens that will be administered over the course of several years. Immunotherapy can also be administered through a tablet placed under your tongue.

Need Help with Managing Your Allergies? We Can Help

Contact the Century Ear, Nose & Throat, Head & Neck Surgery to schedule your consultation with one of our ENT doctors. Our Orland Park, IL, Evergreen Park, and New Lenox offices can be reached through (708) 460-0007.