ENT ALLERGY

ENT ALLERGY

Ear, Nose and Throat ( and Eyes) are the first mucus membranes that come in contact with airborne allergens such as Pollens, Molds, Per dander, dust mite and such. Therefore inhalant allergies mostly present as ENT allergies.

NOSE: Allergic reaction in the nose leads to sneezing, runny nose, itching, stuffy nose and if severe, polyps in the nasal cavity.

EARS: Ears connect with the nasal cavity thru the eustachian tubes, which get blocked due to allergic reaction leading to collection of fluid in the ears, recurrent ear infections and ultimately hearing loss.

THROAT: Excessive nasal secretions from allergic inflammation drain back into the throat, leading to postnasal drip, throat clearing, sore throat, hoarseness and secondary throat infections.

SINUS PROBLEMS: Sinuses are pockets of air distributed around the nose. All sinuses drain into the nasal cavity thru openings called Ostia. Allergic inflammation in the nose may block one or more of the openings, leading to sinusitis, sinus headaches, and sinus drainage or postnasal drip.

EYES: Red, itchy and watery eyes from allergy, with excess of tear fluid running into the nose thru tear ducts adds on to the runny nose.

NASAL POLYPS: An extreme form of nasal allergy response is swelling of nasal mucosa as polyps that obstruct the nasal cavity

ASTHMA: Extension of the inhalant allergic sensitivity into the bronchial tubes and lungs leads to Asthma.

More details about all of these conditions can be found at the ACAAI and AAAAI websites.