“Allergies can severely impact ENT health, causing a range of unpleasant symptoms and can lead to long-term problems if not treated properly,” says Dr Mohammed Naseeruddin, MBBS, MS ENT, Head and Neck Surgery, Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Hyderabad (India).
Impact on ear, nose and throat health
Ears: “Allergies can lead to inflammation and fluid buildup in the middle ear, which can cause disorders like otitis media with effusion (OME). Temporary hearing loss, pressure, and ear pain can follow. These problems can recur in chronic patients, and they may even need surgery to place ear tubes for drainage,” says Dr. Naseeruddin.
Nose: Allergies are a common cause of allergic rhinitis, which causes the lining of the nose to become inflamed and irritated. This leads to symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose, nasal congestion, and coughing. Allergic rhinitis can make it difficult to breathe and reduce quality of life.
Throat: When you have allergies, allergens (such as pollen, animal dander) can increase mucus production in your body, irritating your throat. This can lead to a sore throat, an itchy, dry, and sore feeling in your throat, especially when you breathe through your mouth due to nasal congestion.
How to prevent allergies
Here are some expert-recommended precautions you should take to stay away from allergies:
Identify the allergen: To identify the allergen, you need to learn about your symptoms and conduct some tests or examinations to clearly identify the cause.
Minimize exposure: Once you have identified the allergen, you can reduce exposure by taking appropriate action. For people with pollen allergies, this may include using an air purifier and closing windows during times when pollen counts are high. Using hypoallergenic bedding and washing bedding frequently in hot water can help reduce dust mites.
Medication management: If you are at high risk for allergies, your doctor may prescribe antihistamines or nasal sprays to prevent allergy symptoms. You may also use anti-inflammatory medications or eye drops if you have eye allergy symptoms. Additionally, allergy shots can help your body reduce its response to allergens over time.
Environmental Control: Maintaining a clean, allergen-free home is important. Keeping humidity low, using HEPA filters, and cleaning regularly can all help reduce the amount of allergens present.
Care and management
Drink enough water: Drinking enough water helps the body maintain moisture and helps reduce symptoms of nasal congestion and dry throat when having allergies.
Nasal irrigation with salt water: Nasal irrigation with a saline solution is an effective method to clear allergens and relieve nasal congestion, helping to improve symptoms of allergic rhinitis or the common cold.
Regular ENT Checkups: Regular visits to an ENT specialist can help control symptoms and prevent long-term complications for those with allergies. Doctors can provide focused care and monitor the patient’s condition to adjust the treatment plan as needed.
