At Roanoke Valley ENT & Allergy, we provide testing and treatment of allergy related symptoms. Because millions of people are affected by allergies, and everyone is unique, understanding the difference between allergy symptoms and cold symptoms is important when it comes to diagnosis and treatment.
Allergies affect many people and the symptoms often mimic a cold. Do you suffer from seasonal allergies with symptoms that include:
- itchy watery eyes
- puffy eyes with dark circles
- hay fever
- sneezing
- clear nasal drainage
- dry nagging cough
If you exhibit these symptoms around the same time each year, chances are you have allergies. Allergies can be miserable and unlike a cold that will be gone in a week, allergy sufferers tend to combat the symptoms for a month or more.
Cause of Allergy Symptoms
It begins with exposure. If you’ve inhaled an allergen many times before with no trouble, at some point, the body flags it as an invader. During this particular exposure, the immune system studies the allergen. It prepares itself for the next exposure by developing antibodies, special cells designed to detect it. You are now “sensitized” to the allergen. The next time you’re exposed to the allergen, your immune system goes into overdrive.
Allergy symptoms are caused when your body releases histamines to these “invaders” such as pollen or dander. The production of histamines causes the symptoms that you experience when you are having an allergy attack.
Treatment for Allergy Symptoms
Allergy symptoms should be taken seriously and you will need to consult with your family doctor to diagnose your allergies. Often, over the counter medications can help manage the symptoms so that day to day activities are easier. Your physician will guide you towards the best treatment options available to minimize your symptoms.
How We Can Help
Roanoke Valley ENT & Allergy will evaluate your symptoms and offer treatment for complications of allergies such as:
- asthma
- sinus infections
- ear infections
- eye irritations
If you or a family member suffer from seasonal allergies, please contact us at (540) YOUR – ENT for an appointment. Dr. Paul Lenkowski is uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat your allergy causes and symptoms so that you can get back to doing what you love!
Paul Lenkowski, M.D., Ph.D., is a board certified Otolaryngologist (ENT) and an accomplished head, neck and sinus surgeon. He is passionate about his job and helping his patients. Dr. Lenkowski is dedicated to improving your quality of life and partnering with you to find the best-individualized treatment for your needs. His kind and pleasant demeanor along with his vast experience in the ENT and allergy field will ensure that you and your family receive top-notch care. Dr. Lenkowski earned his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Rutgers University and went on to receive his M.D. and Ph.D. as part of the Medical Scientist Training Program at the University of Virginia. He completed his Otolaryngology Residency at the University of Iowa.