People can have allergies that affect their everyday lives. Therefore, they may not be able to clearly concentrate on their daily tasks or enjoy themselves within their environment while taking care of their health. Allergens are substances to which we can develop a hypersensitivity response (i.e. the immune system's response to these allergens). The immune system reacts by triggering a series of symptoms, including an inflamed reaction in the nasal cavity, throat, and sinuses. Knowing how allergies influence these areas of the body allows one to identify allergy symptoms and get the appropriate medical treatment.
In this blog, Dr Nikita Iyer, one of the best allergy and asthma doctors near me, explains how allergies affect ENT health:
Generally, allergies will affect the nose first. The immune system releases chemicals within the nasal membranes as the allergens within the air are inhaled (i.e. the person has inhaled the allergens). This triggers the release of chemicals that will cause the nasal membranes to become inflamed. With this inflammation come many of the common symptoms of allergies (i.e., sneezing, itchy, runny nose and/or inability to breathe comfortably).
Nasal congestion occurs when blood vessels become engorged due to the increased blood flow to the nasal membranes. These blood vessels create a block within the nasal cavity and create pressure on surrounding structures, resulting in an inability to breathe comfortably. Continuous inflammation will lead to chronic nasal blockage and inflammation affecting the ability to sleep and focus.
Sinuses are hollow (air-filled) cavities that are connected to the nasal cavity. When someone has allergies, the nasal cavity swells and limits the drainage from the sinuses. When mucus becomes trapped in the sinuses, it causes pressure to build in the patient's face, forehead, and around the eyes, creating discomfort or head pain due to sinus congestion. If congestive conditions remain for an extended period, then the risk of developing a sinus infection increases because bacteria are allowed to grow within the sinus cavities.
The throat can also be affected by allergies, which may not be apparent at first. Individuals with allergies may develop a postnasal drip, which is excess mucus that drips down the back of the throat. This condition irritates the throat, leading to throat-clearing, coughing, hoarseness, or pain in the throat. If the throat is irritated over time, it may hinder communication and swallowing food comfortably or sleeping at night can become uncomfortable. Also, in individuals with asthma or other respiratory diseases, their symptoms can worsen because of allergic inflammation.
Chronic allergy symptoms can severely hinder a person's quality of life if not treated correctly. People who suffer from allergies may experience constant congestion in their nasal passages, leading to mouth-breathing, poor-quality sleep, tiredness, and a reduced sense of smell. A person with sinus problems may continually experience sinus blockage, causing repeat infections, whereas a person whose throat is constantly irritated may have a persistent cough or changes in their voice. However, if treated early, many long-term adverse reactions to allergies can be avoided, and symptoms minimised.
To effectively manage allergy symptoms, you will usually want to avoid allergens, take allergy medication, and consult a healthcare professional for assistance when symptoms persist. In order to manage allergy symptoms, find out what your specific allergens are. By knowing your allergens, you will limit what you will be exposed to and, presumably, reduce the chances of having an issue. You can treat your allergy symptoms with various medications, such as nasal sprays, antihistamines, or steroids that reduce sneezing and coughing and help open up your airway for easier breathing.
If you have allergy symptoms that have become severe, or are affecting your nose, sinuses and throat despite any/all treatments that have been prescribed, then it's time to contact an ENT specialist for assistance. An ENT expert like Dr Nikita Iyer, a reputed allergy specialist near me, is trained specifically in dealing with the complications associated with having chronic allergies.