Allergies affect many people. Common allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, hives, or shortness of breath, can cause discomfort and affect your quality of life. Fortunately, various methods are available for effectively treating allergies and controlling their symptoms. The doctors at Ear, Nose & Throat Surgeons of Western New England in Springfield, Northampton, and Mary Lane Hospital, MA, can help you get your allergy symptoms under control.

Common Allergy Symptoms

Allergies are associated with a range of symptoms. The symptoms you experience often depend on what is causing the allergy. Examples of common allergens include dust, dander, mold, and pollen. Many people are also allergic to certain foods, such as peanuts, dairy products, wheat, or shellfish. Some medications can cause allergic reactions as well. Depending on the cause or type of allergy, symptoms can include:

• Scratchy throat
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing or coughing
• Swelling in the mouth, eyes, or face
• Sneezing or runny nose
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Sinus congestion
• Rashes or hives

Allergy Tests

If you have struggled with chronic allergy symptoms, visiting our offices in Springfield, Northampton, and Mary Lane Hospital, MA, for an allergy test is beneficial. Allergy tests help identify the specific allergens that are causing your symptoms so an effective treatment plan can be made. Different types of allergy tests are available, but many tests involve exposing the skin to specific allergens to observe whether or not a reaction occurs. A skin reaction, such as the development of a rash, is a sign that you are sensitive to that allergen and could benefit from treatment.

Treating Allergies

Several treatments are available that can help control uncomfortable allergy symptoms. One of the most effective treatment approaches is immunotherapy, which is administered by injection or as sublingual immunotherapy. Injections simply involve getting a shot, while sublingual immunotherapy involves placing drops under the tongue.

Both methods involve exposing a patient to small doses of a particular allergen, either by injection or under the tongue. Over time, repeated exposure to the allergen prompts the body to become resistant to it. As the body builds up a tolerance to the allergen, a patient becomes immune and will experience fewer allergy symptoms.

If you are struggling with allergy symptoms, we can help. Through a combination of allergy testing and immunotherapy, our doctors can develop a plan for controlling your symptoms. For help with your allergy symptoms, contact our Springfield office by calling Ear, Nose & Throat Surgeons of Western New England at (413) 732-7426. Appointments are also available at our Northampton location by calling (413) 586-2033 or at Mary Lane Hospital by calling 413-967-2249.