Did you know that people can be affected by allergies all year long? People typically think that once spring passes and the pollen is gone they don’t have to worry about allergies ‘til the next year. This is far from the truth! Believe it or not, winter is a booming season for allergies.

What are Winter Allergies?

Unlike spring allergies which are caused by the common outdoor allergen, pollen, winter allergies are caused by indoor allergens. Once winter starts to roll around, people tend to spend more time indoors and are more likely to become irritated by the allergens that live in their homes every day. These allergens include pet dander, dust, dust mites, mold, and even cockroach droppings! Although these allergies are known as “winter allergies”, they can affect anyone all year long.

How Do I Know When I Am Experiencing Winter Allergies?

Once winter starts and people kick on their furnace, dust and mold can spread throughout the house and cause people to get stuffy noses, sneezing, sore throat, runny eyes, headaches, and several other allergy symptoms. These symptoms resemble those of the flu and cold and are often the reason why people think they are sick rather than suspect allergies.

What Should I Do If I Think I Have Allergies?

The first thing people should do if they think they have allergies is to see an allergist, so they can get tested for potential allergies they may have. The ENT Institute offers same-day allergy testing. This test is done using a pricking method that introduces the allergens to a person’s skin to see if there is a reaction. With these tests, the allergist is able to see results in as little as 15 minutes! If they see that the patient reacts then they will offer treatment. One of the best treatments the ENT Institute offers is allergy immunotherapy!

What is Allergy Immunotherapy?

Allergy immunotherapy is a treatment that involves exposing the patient to small doses of the allergen and then later increasing the dose. The dose is administered through an allergy shot that is safely injected into the patient by one of our expert allergists. After the dose is administered, the doctor will monitor the patient to ensure they do not have an allergic reaction. The point of exposing the body to the allergen is to potentially change the immune system’s response to it. Allergy immunotherapy has a success rate of 90% and has been proven to work on most patients.

Feel better FASTER when you schedule your SAME-DAY appointment for allergy immunotherapy!

At the ENT Institute, we advocate for making smart healthcare decisions while caring about the safety and well-being of our patients all year round.