What Your ENT Wants You To Know About Inhalant Allergies

Health & Medical Blog

Inhalant allergies are a type of allergy that occurs when someone is exposed to an airborne allergen. When someone with an inhalant allergy breathes in these allergens, they may experience symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, and a runny nose. In some cases, the allergens can also trigger an asthma attack. 

If you suffer from inhalant allergies, you're not alone. In fact, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI), approximately 50 million Americans suffer from some type of allergy each year. If you're one of the millions of Americans who suffer from inhalant allergies, your ENT specialist may be able to help.

What Causes Inhalant Allergies?

Many different things can cause inhalant allergies. Some of the most common include dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and mold spores. If you are allergic to any of these things, you may experience multiple symptoms ranging from sneezing to a full-blown asthma attack.

How Can an ENT Specialist Help?

An otolaryngologist, more commonly called an ENT specialist, can help. They specialize in the treatment of disorders of the ear, nose, and throat. ENT specialists are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of inhalant allergies. They can help you identify your triggers and develop a treatment plan to help you find relief from your symptoms. There are a variety of treatments available for inhalant allergies, depending on the severity of your symptoms, including:

• Over-the-Counter Medications. If you have mild symptoms, over-the-counter medications may be all you need to treat your inhalant allergies. Antihistamines can help to relieve sneezing, itching, and a runny nose. Decongestants can also help reduce congestion. Be sure to read the labels carefully and follow the directions, as some over-the-counter medications may cause drowsiness.
• Prescription Medications. If your symptoms are more severe, your doctor may prescribe medication to help relieve them. Several different prescription medications are available, including oral corticosteroids and immunotherapy injections. Oral corticosteroids can be taken daily or as needed for symptom relief, while immunotherapy injections are given periodically in the doctor's office and work to gradually increase your tolerance to the allergens that trigger your symptoms. 
• Avoidance Strategies. It's not always possible to completely avoid the things that trigger your inhalant allergies, but there are certain things you can do to minimize your exposure. During high pollen times, stay indoors as much as possible with the windows and doors closed. If you have pets, keep them out of your bedroom and off of upholstered furniture. Use an air purifier in your home and change your furnace filter regularly. When you're outdoors, wear a dust mask or scarf over your nose and mouth. 

If you suffer from inhalant allergies, there's no need to suffer in silence. An ENT specialist can help you get your allergies under control and find relief from your symptoms. Contact a local inhalant allergy ENT specialist to learn more. 

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14 November 2022