Don't suffer with allergies; see an ENT

Aaaaaaccchhhhhooooooooooo!

Ah, the symphony of spring for many allergy sufferers.

Allergies are a common cause of illness in the United States for both children and adults. In fact, as many as one in five Americans have allergies, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

There are many different forms of allergies, which can include drug, dust, eye, food, insect sting, latex, mold, pet, and skin, among others. For allergy sufferers, allergy symptoms crop up when your immune system overreacts to something that is harmless to most people but triggers a reaction to those sensitive to it—this is knows as an allergen.

Allergies can be seasonal and may worsen during certain times of the year (such as pollen allergies that many of you may be suffering with this spring) or occur year round. When you come in contact with something that you are allergic to, your immune system considers it dangerous and releases histamine to counteract it. This causes an allergic reaction, which can be a skin rash, headache, sneezing or runny nose, among others. The most severe reaction, known as anaphylaxis, can be life-threatening.

If you suffer from allergies, you really don’t have to! Consider scheduling an appointment with an allergy specialist such as an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor to help you determine the severity and cause of the problem. At an appointment, you will likely discuss your medical history and symptoms, and may use blood or skin tests to find out whether you have an allergy and what the allergen is. Medications, both over-the-counter and prescription, or allergy shots may provide some relief from your allergies.

In Gillette, there is one Otolaryngologist, or Ear, Nose and Throat specialist that you can schedule appointments with to discuss your allergies—Dr. Tom Davis of Davis ENT Specialists (307.686.7346). Dr. Davis’ allergy program is outlined on his website.