How to Tell if You’re Having an Allergic Reaction
More than 50 million people in the United States have an allergic reaction each year. Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance (allergen), like pollen or pet dander, by releasing histamine. The release of histamine causes the symptoms associated with allergies. You can determine your allergens by taking an allergy test…
What to Know About Winter Allergies
When the weather starts getting colder, you may notice that a runny nose and itchy eyes become commonplace. These symptoms may arise in the winter for many reasons, including a cold or flu and a response to the cold air. Winter allergies are another common source of these symptoms. Approximately 50 million people in the…
What Are Some Common Fall Allergy Triggers?
For many across the country, fall ushers in a new allergy season, raising questions about the best ways to alleviate side effects. It’s helpful to know common allergens for your area to best treat your symptoms. If you’ve noticed itchy eyes or a runny nose during a stroll through a park, you may want to…
What Are Some Common Causes of Eye Allergies?
Eye allergies, also called allergic conjunctivitis, are common in up to 40% of the population. It occurs when an allergen causes the tissue inside the eyelid and outside of the eyeball to become inflamed. Let’s look at a few of the more common causes of eye allergies as well as how to relieve your symptoms….
Caroline Burrows, MMSc, PA-C
Caroline attended the University of Georgia where she received Bachelor of Science degrees in both Biology and Psychology. She continued her patient-care training working as a certified medical assistant for ENT of Georgia, North and gained acceptance into Mercer University’s Physician Assistant Studies program to obtain her Master of Medical Science. Following graduation, Caroline returned…
Kelly W. Heard, FNP
I was an allergy nurse for ENT practices for twenty years prior to going to graduate school to become a nurse practitioner. I enjoy helping all ages with their sinuses, allergies, headaches, dizziness and ear and throat problems. I especially love being able to explain patients’ conditions and treatments to them in an understandable way….
Managing Severe Allergies
Most people who suffer from allergies have mild to moderate symptoms. However, some people experience severe allergy symptoms that can significantly impact their lives and even lead to hospitalization or death if not treated promptly. Severe Allergy Symptoms Symptoms of severe allergies differ from typical allergy symptoms like nasal congestion, watery eyes and a scratchy…
How Does Cold Weather Affect Your Allergies?
More than 100 million people in the U.S. experience one or more types of allergies each year. Allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to a substance (allergen) it believes is harmful by releasing histamine. Histamine release causes the symptoms associated with allergies, which may include but are not limited to: Cold weather may increase…
Can Allergies Increase Your Child’s Risk of an Ear Infection?
Approximately five out of six children will have at least one ear infection before their third birthday, making it one of the most common reasons young children see a doctor. Ear infections occur when the Eustachian tube, which runs from the middle ear to the back of the throat, becomes swollen and blocked. When the…
Can Allergies Cause Ear Pain?
Nearly one in three U.S. adults and over one in four U.S. children reported a seasonal allergy, food allergy or eczema in 2021. Allergies most commonly cause sneezing, inflammation, headache, coughing, runny or stuffy nose and hives. Although not as common a symptom, allergies may result in ear pain. Let’s look at why allergies may…
