Do you suffer from nasal congestion, persistent runny nose, and itchy eyes? Need nasal allergy relief? You might have allergies. The symptoms of allergies can become disruptive to your daily life. You don't have to live with the uncomfortable effects of environmental allergies or chronic sinus problems. We can help!
The Marina Del Rey allergy specialists at Del Rey MD offer you the expert diagnosis and treatment of allergic conditions. To learn more about our comprehensive menu of services, available at comfortable offices in Marina Del Rey, Long Beach, Bakersfield, Los Angeles, and surrounding Southern California, contact us today!
What are Sinus Allergies?
Allergies are simply the way your body reacts to a substance it views as foreign. For example, your eyes may water or you may have discharge from your nose when you are exposed to a substance such as pollen.
Allergies of the sinuses are one of the most common, most irritating and most misunderstood of human health conditions.
At Del Rey MD, our doctors are specifically trained to provide solutions for nasal Allergy relief. The solutions will help you breathe better and feel better, faster.
What is an Allergic Reaction?
When exposed to an allergen, your body begins a sequence of events. Sometimes these offer you relief, but sometimes your body’s reaction causes uncomfortable side effects for you. In the process of trying to destroy the offending substance, your body releases a chemical called histamine in the bloodstream. A large amount of histamine causes inflammation, itching, enlarged blood vessels, increased secretions and bronchospasms (tightening of muscles that surround the airways).
Sinus allergy symptoms can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe and may be associated with the following symptoms:
- Mild reactions include rash, hives, itchiness, watery or red eyes and/or runny nose.
- Moderate reactions spread to several parts of the body and include itchiness, hives, swelling and trouble breathing.
- Severe allergic reaction, or anaphylaxis, can be life-threatening. This occurs when the body’s response to the allergen is sudden and affects the whole body. It may begin with itching of the eyes or face and quickly develops other symptoms including throat swelling, abdominal pain, cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, hives, and/or swelling (angioedema).
The solution for you may be very simple. You do not have to live with sinus and nasal allergy symptoms! Make an appointment today.
How Are Allergies Diagnosed?
Nasal allergies are often misdiagnosed because the symptoms of allergies and sinusitis can be very similar. If you want a solution for your sinus and nasal allergies, you need the care of an expert. Our doctors are nationally recognized experts in sinus, allergy and other otolaryngological (ENT or ear, nose and throat) problems.
With our expert diagnostic equipment including allergy skin testing, radioallergosorbent blood test (RAST) and an in-office CT scanner, we can accurately assess your condition and recommend the best treatment option for you, including minimally invasive and pain-free techniques.
Allergy Symptoms
What Can You Do About Allergies?
Nasal allergy relief symptoms can be difficult to manage successfully without the help of a doctor. There are several over-the-counter medicines that can be used for allergies, but they may each work slightly differently. For example, it may seem logical to take a decongestant for persistent nasal stuffiness, but, what you might benefit from the most is an antihistamine. To go one step further, your ongoing congestion may not be related to inflammation in the nasal lining at all! You may have another condition, such as mild septal deviation or nasal polyps, that require an entirely different course of care.
Your specialist here at Del Rey MD performs a comprehensive consultation, medical history, examination, and tests as needed to accurately diagnose the cause of your symptoms. Some of the treatment options they may consider for you include over-the-counter medications, prescription medication, balloon sinus dilation, or sinus surgery. Your doctor will thoroughly explain their recommendation, including how it can help you feel better more often than not!
Nasal Allergy Relief & Cure?
Allergies are not curable, no. Some patients choose to receive immunotherapy for allergies that are interfering with their quality of life. This treatment may be better known as allergy shots. It works by introducing small amounts of known allergens to the body over the course of several sessions. Over time, the body should build up a tolerance to the substances that it once strongly reacted to.
While allergy shots can diminish your response to some allergens, it may not completely eliminate symptoms.
Will My Insurance Cover My Sinus Allergy Issues?
Most insurance companies cover at least some of the costs associated with allergy treatments. This can include medications and procedures such as sinus surgery and balloon sinus dilation.
It is important to contact your insurance provider for detailed information related to your case. Once you have a diagnosis and proposed treatment plan, your insurance company may request various documentation to prove that your treatment is medically necessary.
Are Frequent Headaches a Sign of a Sinus Disease?
Frequent headaches could be caused by sinus problems. However, there are other factors that could contribute to chronic head pain, as well. You might be able to identify a sinus headache based on its symptoms.
The common signs of a sinus headache include:
- Pain or pressure around the forehead, eyes, and cheeks.
- Throbbing head pain.
- Head or face pain that worsens if you lie down or bend over.
- Pain or aching in the upper teeth.
- Fatigue
An interesting note about sinus headaches is that some of the symptoms of this condition overlap with symptoms of a migraine headache. You can differentiate between the two by looking at additional symptoms. A sinus headache may coincide with nasal congestion, a runny nose, and other allergy symptoms. A migraine, on the other hand, may also involve nausea, vomiting, and photosensitivity.
If you're unsure whether or not your headaches are caused by sinus problems, contact a Del Rey MD office near you for a consultation. We can help you get the answers you need to regain optimal comfort.
What is Rhinitis?
Rhinitis is inflammation that occurs in the nasal passages and the nose. You may develop allergic rhinitis by inhaling a substance you're allergic to, such as pollen or pet dander. In addition to a stuffy nose, rhinitis may cause a runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, and postnasal drip or sore throat.
What is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is inflammation that occurs in the sinuses. The sinuses are air-filled cavities located in the cheek and forehead areas.
Sinusitis can cause the same symptoms as rhinitis, including congestion, itchy, watery eyes, and runny nose. However, sinusitis is usually caused by infection.
Also, sinusitis tends to cause symptoms without environmental or seasonal variations. People with sinusitis may experience more frequent bouts of uncomfortable symptoms, as well.
Schedule an Appointment with Del Rey MD, Marina Del Rey Sinus and Allergy Doctors
If you have a recurring or persistent ear, nose, throat or allergy problem, it is likely your condition can be treated. Our expert team of ear, nose and throat specialists can discuss your options at one of our Del Rey MD locations to see if what specific treatment is appropriate for your condition.
Contact our practice locations in Marina Del Rey, Long Beach, Bakersfield, Los Angeles, and surrounding Southern California today to book an appointment.
