Allergic disease is estimated to affect nearly 20% of the U.S. population– that’s over 40 million people! That translates to millions of days in missed school and work, as well as billions of dollars in allergy treatment and lost productivity costs! Here in Middle Tennessee, allergic disease is rampant. The Allergy and Asthma Foundation recently ranked the Nashville area as one of its top 25 ‘Worst Allergy Cities’ in the U.S.
Allergy often causes the familiar symptoms of itching, sneezing, nasal congestion, and nasal drainage. It can also be linked to sinus pressure, headache, asthma exacerbation, ear pain, ear popping, and dizziness.
Most patients treat only their symptoms with medication without addressing the underlying cause of their recurrent problems. This results in needless persistent suffering and worsening of symptoms. The Tennessee Sinus and Snoring Center is designed for those of you who are looking for real, long-term solutions.
Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis occurs when the body’s immune system over-responds to specific, non-infectious particles such as plant pollens, molds, dust mites, animal hair, industrial chemicals (including tobacco smoke), foods, medicines, or insect venom. Seasonal allergic rhinitis or hayfever occurs in late summer or spring. Hypersensitivity to ragweed, not hay, is the primary cause of seasonal allergic rhinitis in 75 percent of all Americans who suffer from this seasonal disorder. People with sensitivity to grass pollen have symptoms throughout the summer, while those with sensitivity to tree pollen have symptoms in late March or early April; an allergic reaction to mold spores can occur in October and November as a consequence of falling leaves.
Perennial Allergic Rhinitis
Perennial allergic rhinitis occurs year-round and can result from reactions to pet hair and dander, dust mites, or to mold on wallpaper, houseplants, carpeting, crawl spaces, and upholstery.
Non-Allergic Rhinitis
Non-allergice rhinitis is not due to an allergic reaction. The symptoms can mimic allergic rhinitis and can be triggered by cigarette smoke and other pollutants as well as eating a meal, strong odors, alcoholic beverages, and cold. Other causes may include blockages in the nose, a deviated septum, infections, and over-use of medications such as decongestants (‘rhinitis medicamentosa’).
Schedule an Appointment
If you would like to schedule an appointment with the Tennessee Sinus and Snoring Center please click on the link below.