Have you been sneezing and coughing for weeks? Your persistent cold might actually be caused by an allergy. Luckily, the ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctors at West Coast Ear, Nose and Throat in Camarillo, Oxnard, Simi Valley, and Thousand Oaks, CA, offer treatments that can ease your symptoms.

 

But I've never had allergies before!

Allergies can occur at any time in your life. No one is sure exactly why allergies develop when they do, but the unpleasant symptoms can affect you whether you're 10 or 45.

Allergies occur when your body overreacts to a normally harmless substance like pollen or pet dander. Your body releases antibodies that begin to attack and destroy the substance. Unfortunately, this response tends to cause sneezing, watery eyes, hives, nasal congestion/runny nose, or gastrointestinal symptoms if you're allergic to a food.

 

How can I tell what's causing my allergy?

If your Camarillo, Oxnard, Simi Valley, or Thousand Oaks ENT suspects that you have allergies, they may recommend allergy testing to determine which allergens trigger your symptoms. Common allergens include:

• Dust mites
• Mold
• Cockroaches
• Pollen
• Pet dander
• Medications
• Metals
• Insect stings
• Latex
• Foods

 

What can I do about my allergies?

Your ENT can offer treatments that prevent allergy symptoms from occurring when you're exposed to allergens. Depending on the type and severity of your allergies, you may benefit from prescription antihistamines, decongestants, nasal corticosteroid sprays, oral corticosteroids, allergy shots, or epinephrine auto-injectors.

Making a few changes to your home may also be helpful in reducing allergy flare-ups. If you're affected by seasonal allergies, you may want to buy an air purifier and avoid opening the windows or using fans during allergy season. Air-conditioners are much better for you than fans, given that they filter out allergens.

Vacuuming or mopping floors regularly and removing carpeting can also reduce allergens. Do you have a pet? Although you may not be outright allergic to your furry friend, they can still carry allergens inside after spending time outdoors. Washing your dog often not only decreases dander but also removes allergens.

If you have food allergies, it's also important to remove any foods that trigger your symptoms.

 

Need relief? Give us a call!

If you think you may have an allergy, schedule an appointment with the ENTs at West Coast Ear, Nose and Throat by calling (805) 484-5929 for the Camarillo, CA, office, (805) 983-0395 for the Oxnard office, (805) 527-7320 for the Simi Valley office or (805) 379-9646 for the Thousand Oaks office.