What does the 2019 allergy season have in store? Unfortunately, you can expect even more sniffling and sneezing. The warm and ample moisture this year means the allergy season peaks sometime around mid-April for the Southeast, which indicates a very unpleasant spring, according to the latest updates from Pollen.com.

Currently, North Carolina is listed as having some of the highest allergy rates in the U.S. Measurements from 9.7 to 12 are considered high, and the Raleigh area is showing readings from 10.7 to 11. The main culprits are allergens from birch, juniper and maple trees.

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Adults aren’t the only ones who suffer with sneezes and watery eyes during allergy season. In fact, roughly 8.4 percent of children are diagnosed each year with the symptoms known as “hay fever” (allergic rhinitis), according to the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America. 

Children frequently experience the same allergy problems as adults—many of our patients are children. However, there are several safety issues that must be considered before administering any type of allergy medicine to younger children, particularly to infants.

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If you or your child has chronic allergies, your nose may bleed frequently. While nosebleeds can be difficult to control and are often a nuisance, they are rarely life-threatening.  Those with allergies are very susceptible to nosebleeds.

Why?  To answer this question, it helps if you know how allergens affect the inside of your nose. An allergen is any substance—such as pollen or ragweed—that prompts an allergic reaction.

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Recently, Raleigh, NC was listed as one of the top 100 most challenging places to live if you have allergies.  The list is part of an annual report compiled by the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America. The ranking takes into account factors such as pollen count and medication utilization. Raleigh ranked #88, while Durham clocked in at #57.  (In case you’re curious, Jackson, Mississippi earned the dubious #1 “honor.”) Of course, this top 100 ranking will come as no surprise to Triangle residents who suffer through allergy season with sore throats and runny noses.  If this sounds all too familiar, you’re not alone. 

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Imagine allergy relief with no needles required. For millions of Americans, immunotherapy eliminates problems with year-round allergies. It’s sometimes referred to as “allergy shots.” But did you know that there is an allergy treatment that doesn't require shots? Whether you dislike needles yourself or are the parent of a child who is uncomfortable with needles, this treatment may be right for you! Read on to discover more about SLIT.

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Did a runny nose keep you from going on that weekend hike? Perhaps a scratchy throat or watery eyes put a damper on your vacation. Seasonal allergies are not only an inconvenience, but they also keep you from enjoying the activities you love. If this sounds familiar, the good news is there’s hope. Through allergy testing, your ear, nose and throat physician learns more about your specific allergy and is able to develop a customized plan for you.

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As spring has arrived in the Triangle, we thought that sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) would be a timely topic for our second blog post. As opposed to allergy shots, SLIT consists of allergy drops placed under the tongue. SLIT has been popular in Europe for years and is becoming increasingly popular in the United States. SLIT has an excellent safety profile so patients can do the treatment at home. The advantage for needle phobic patients is obvious. While SLIT is an attractive option for some patients, there are also some disadvantages. SLIT is not yet FDA approved in the United States and most insurance companies consider SLIT an alternative treatment for allergies and asthma. Patients are responsible for the cost of the serum. Optimal dosing in SLIT is an area of controversy. At Raleigh ENT, we follow dosing protocols advocated by the American Academy of Otolargngic Allergy. Finally, while many studies show that SLIT is an effective treatment, there is still some question whether SLIT is equall ...

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