Some of the most common conditions our ENT providers treat are allergies and sinus-related issues. Kyle Mitts, DO, (pictured above, right) sees patients at Mercy Health — Anderson Ear, Nose and Throat as well as Mercy Health – Clermont Ear, Nose and Throat.
“While spring and fall are the seasons that most patients experience allergies, there are several year-round allergies that one could suffer from,” he explains.
Some of the most common allergens are grasses, pollens, trees, molds, dust, cats and dogs. Allergies can affect any age group older than 5 years old but can also develop at any time in one’s life.
“Environmental allergies typically do not develop until age 5 or 6,” Dr. Mitts says. “What someone is allergic to can change over time. They can also be lifelong, or a patient may eventually develop an immunity to them.”
There are some signs and symptoms you may experience because of allergies.
“Symptoms of allergies can include nasal congestion, runny nose, post-nasal drip, scratchy throat and itchy eyes,” Dr. Mitts shares.
During a sinus or allergy appointment with Dr. Mitts, you can expect him to speak with you and try to determine the cause of your symptoms.
“I will do an exam, which may or may not involve an anterior rhinoscopy, where I look in the patient’s nose, with or without a scope.”
If you are experiencing symptoms of allergies, Dr. Mitts typically recommends over-the-counter allergy medications like an antihistamine or a nasal spray. If this does not help your symptoms, there are prescription medications you could take. You can potentially undergo allergy testing as well.
“If allergy testing is performed, we can try avoidance or customized allergy injections or drops,” Dr. Mitts explains. “Otherwise, there are well-known medications that work well for general allergy complaints.”
There are some ways you can treat your allergy symptoms and sinus pain at home. Dr. Mitts shares that nasal saline irrigation, antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays and sometimes anti-inflammatories may help relieve allergy and sinus symptoms.
“There are many treatment options for sinus complaints in general. However, if you are unable to navigate the many options out there, from medication to surgery, we are here and happy to help you obtain the quality of life you would like, free of sinus complaints.”
Learn more about the allergy and immunology services we provide at Mercy Health.
