What happens in your body when you’re allergic?

Your body is more sensitive to certain things (Allergen) compared to non-allergic people. As a result you react more when you are exposed to it. This is unfortunately determined by your genes and we cannot completely cure you from your allergies. We can, however, help you manage the symptoms.

Contact with Allergen

Immune system activated

Give off Histamine

Symptoms

Symptoms to look out for:

⦁ Nasal congestion
⦁ Runny nose
⦁ Red, itching, or watery eyes
⦁ Coughing
⦁ Sneezing
⦁ Postnasal drip
⦁ Itching in the nose, mouth, or throat

Treatment options are often a combination of the below,
when needed:

  • Antihistamines: This reduces the congestion, itching, sneezing and runny nose.
  • Decongestants: This also helps to reduced the congestion and runny nose but usually used when symptoms have worsened and not for maintenance.
  • Nasal Rinses:  The nasal rinses clear allergens (whatever is irritating the nasal mucosa) out of the nasal passages, naturally reducing the time the allergen is spending in the nose and thereby reducing the associated symptoms.
  • Corticosteroid Nasal Spray: These sprays or drops target the inflammation nasal mucosa. This will reduce the swelling in the nose and the runny nose as well. These sprays work really well but can sometimes cause nose bleeds if used for a prolonged period. We now also have a nasal spray which combines corticosteroids and anti-histamine.
  • Reduce exposure: Not being exposed to the allergen that you are allergic to will help tremendously.

What else can we do?

  • Allergy testing: The first step for adequate medical care is to find the underlying triggers. Often, these allergy tests are completed using blood tests. They can also be done as a skin prick test.
  • Immunotherapy: Desensitizes the body so that it doesn’t react so much to the allergen.
  • Prescription medication: The ENT doctor can use stronger medications to help control the symptoms.
  • Surgery: We sometimes need to operate to help reduce the symptoms (removal of adenoids, removal of allergic nasal polyps…)
Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis is
Team work
between you and your ENT Specialist

Get In Touch With
The Doctor

Phone

+27 (011) 647 3492

Email

reception@morgadoent.co.za

Location

Suite 405B
Netcare Linksfield Hospital
24, 12th Avenue
Linksfield West
2192

Email

reception@morgadoent.co.za

Consultation Hours

Monday – Thursday: 8:00 – 17:00
Friday: 8:00 – 14:00

Get In Touch With
The Doctor