Allergy

About 50 million people in the United States suffer from at least one allergy. If you’re bothered by persistent sneezing, nasal congestion, and other allergy symptoms, you can find help at Westchester ENT. Dr. Aaron Spingarn provides comprehensive allergy care, including in-office allergy tests to identify your triggers. Dr. Spingarn customizes treatment plans using medications and immunotherapy to help you find long-lasting symptom relief. Call our office in Hartsdale, NY, at 914.686.3950 to schedule an allergy consultation or book an appointment online today.

What is an allergy?

An allergy is your body’s overreaction to certain substances in your environment that aren’t harmful. When you come into contact with an allergen, your immune system produces histamines that trigger bothersome symptoms that can affect your ears, nose, throat and lungs.

Common substances that can trigger an allergic reaction include:

• Mold
• Pollen
• Grass
• Latex
• Animal dander
• Insect stings and bites
• Certain foods and medications

For some people, allergies can cause a mild to moderate immune system reaction. Others may develop a more serious and potentially life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis causes sudden inflammation in the throat, making breathing difficult and requiring immediate medical attention.

When should I schedule an allergy consultation?

You should schedule an allergy consultation at Westchester ENT if you have persistent symptoms of an allergy that you can’t adequately manage with over-the-counter medications.

Allergy symptoms can include:

• Stuffy nose
• Runny nose
• Wheezing
• Persistent cough
• Skin rashes
• Shortness of breath

Dr. Spingarn offers two types of allergy tests in-office to identify your allergy triggers. The radioallergosorbent (RAST) test is a simple blood test that helps detect antibodies your body produces when you have an allergy.

Skin prick tests involve scratching the surface of your skin with small amounts of potential allergens. Intradermal tests involve injecting small amounts of allergens under the skin surface.  If you develop a red rash or welt on your skin during the test, it may indicate an allergy.

Based on your allergy testing results, Dr. Spingarn creates a treatment plan to keep your symptoms under control and prevent additional allergy complications.

How is an allergy treated?

Over-the-counter and prescription medications are available to relieve nasal congestion, sneezing, and other allergy symptoms. If medications aren’t providing good results, or if you are looking for a long-term solution for your respiratory allergies, Dr. Spingarn may recommend immunotherapy.

Immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual drops) involves a series of injections of small amounts of known allergens or the administration of a liquid under your tongue. Over time, this exposure helps reduce your immune system’s reaction to the allergens, so you can prevent allergy symptoms from developing.

If you have anaphylaxis, Dr. Spingarn helps you create an emergency treatment plan to follow when you find it hard to breathe. He can prescribe an epinephrine pen that you carry with you for emergencies. The pen contains medication that quickly reduces throat swelling so you can catch your breath.

To schedule allergy testing, call Westchester ENT at 914.686.3950 or book an appointment online today.