Mid-Kansas Ear, Nose & Throat | Allergy Hay Fever

Millions of Americans suffer from allergies and the numbers continue to increase. In fact, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, more than 30% of adults and 40% of children are affected by allergies.

An allergy is an abnormal response to something you inhale (pollens, molds, dust), consume (foods or drinks), or come in contact with (chemicals or medications), that usually does not cause symptoms in most people. Several factors play a role in the development of allergies, including family history/genetic tendencies.

We must be exposed to an allergen before a sensitivity can develop. It may be the first exposure that causes a reaction, or it may take several exposures before an allergy develops.

Everyone’s immune system is unique. Some immune systems are more tolerant than others, while some develop sensitivities very easily. Allergies or sensitivities can develop at any time in our lives.

Common Allergens

Year-round allergic reactions include foods, animal dander (cats, dogs, horses, and other pets, wool and feathers), cosmetics and house dust.

Early springtime hay fever is most often caused by tree pollens. Late springtime pollens come from grasses and weeds. Ragweed begins in late August and continues until October or the first frost. Mold spore allergies are more year-round, except when snow covers the ground. Indoor molds grow on houseplants and in their soil and in damp places.

Common Allergy Symptoms

Each patient reacts differently to allergens, but common symptoms are eczema, nasal congestion, itching, excess mucous production, wheezing and repeated ear infections. Sinus infections are not a direct symptom of allergies, but uncontrolled allergies can lead to sinus infections.

Inhalant Allergies/Hay Fever

Inhalants are natural, airborne particles that are inhaled. Typically, these particles are microscopic and cannot be seen and are suspended in the air all around us.

Common inhalant allergens include:

Pollens: weeds, trees, grasses
Mold Spores
Dust Mites
Animal Dander: cat, dog, feathers, horse, cattle

Historically, symptoms of inhalant allergy might include runny nose, sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, itching in the back of throat and ears or what we think of as “hay fever.”

These symptoms are usually worse in the early morning and clear around midday, then become worse again around evening. They are seasonal and typically worse in the spring and fall. However, today the symptoms of inhalant allergy are more complex. Now we typically see a patient with some of the above symptoms but may also have chronic congestion, frequent sore throats, snoring, fatigue, irritability, rashes, etc.

At Mid-Kansas we test for approximately 35 inhalant allergens that are specific to our locale to give you the best coverage for inhalant desensitization.

What to do if you are experiencing allergies:

The first line of defense is avoidance of allergens, and these tips can help:

Rid your home of indoor plants, mildew and animals that produce dander.
Change air filters monthly in the heating and air conditioning system in your home. Or install an air purifier.
Change feather pillows, woolen blankets and woolen clothing to cotton or synthetic material such as Dacron.
Use antihistamines and decongestants as necessary and as directed by your physician.
Observe general good health practices.
Stop smoking and avoid air pollutants.
Exercise regularly.
Eat a balanced diet.
Supplement your diet with vitamins, especially vitamin C.

How can Mid-Kansas Ear, Nose & Throat help if I have allergies?

If you have cold-like symptoms for more than two weeks, contact our office. The physicians at Mid-Kansas Ear, Nose and Throat will discuss your family history, possible exposures and progression of symptoms. Your physician will carefully evaluate the nose and sinuses, skin, eyes, face, ears and throat. Based on findings, blood or skin testing may be recommended to determine specific substances to which you are allergic.

Several medications are useful in the treatment of allergies. Your physician will choose those best suited. They may include antihistamines, decongestants, cromolyns, nasal steroids and cortisone type preparations. The medical management of suspected allergy also includes counseling in proper environmental control.

Severe symptoms may need sublingual allergy drops, allergy injections or allergy toothpaste to help mitigate the symptoms. Doses of the allergen are injected or administered sublingually on a regular basis for three to five years or until symptoms dissipate.

Call Mid-Kansas Ear, Nose & Throat Associates at 316-684-2838 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Saturday Allergy Injections – By Appointment Only

If you are currently receiving allergy immunotherapy injections at Mid-Kansas Ear, Nose & Throat, you can now schedule your allergy injections for Saturday mornings between 8 a.m. and Noon at our Wichita West location, 3840 N. Ridge Rd. Patients from the Wichita East location are welcome to get their allergy injections at the Wichita West location (please see notes below).

Please note:

Saturday allergy injections are available by appointment only between 8 a.m. and Noon.
Saturday allergy injections are only available at our Wichita West location, 3840 N. Ridge Rd.
You must be a current allergy immunotherapy injection patient at either the Wichita East or Wichita West location.
If you choose to utilize the Saturday schedule option, your serum will be located at the Ridge Rd. location only. As a result, all allergy injection appointments will need to be made at the Wichita West location.
If you are scheduled for Saturday allergy injections and need to reschedule to a weekday, your appointment must be at the Wichita West location. Because your serum is stored there, it cannot be transferred to another office.