The Impact of Allergies on Your Ear, Nose and Throat Health

Summer and springtime seem to affect people with allergies quite rampantly. While you’re more than aware of the sneezing and running eyes due to all of the pollen, have you ever considered the real impact that it could have on your ear, nose and throat? Sure, allergy season is fairly short, and having enough over-the-counter medicine seems to be enough to subside some of the effects; in the end, there can be long-term effects, something that every ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor will preach. But what is the impact on your overall health? Well, when it comes to allergies, here’s everything you need to know.

What are Allergies?

Allergies cause a hypersensitivity of the immune system to substances in the environment that are generally harmless to most people. These include pollen from trees, weeds and grasses, mold, dust mites, pet dander, smoke, chemicals and certain medicines. When these allergens come in contact with the nose, ear, nasal passages and throat, they trigger a release of antibodies and other chemicals that cause itching, mucus production, swelling, sinus congestion and headache. Allergies affecting the ears, nose and throat and can be diagnosed by an ENT doctor.

Can Allergies Cause Long-Term Effects on the Ear, Nose and Throat Health?

Most people know that allergies can lead to sneezing, runny nose and itchy, watery eyes, but they don’t often realize the long-term impact that could happen due to allergies. Allergies are a common health issue affecting millions of people worldwide. While most allergies are not life-threatening, they can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life, such as leading to chronic conditions such as sinusitis and otitis media. Overall, that constant pressure from fluid and congestion can affect your ear, nose and throat. There is even the potential to have hearing loss or damage solely due to allergies.

What are Some of the Effects of Allergies on the Ear, Nose and Throat?

While there is a wave of symptoms from allergies, there are some that are more impactful than others, especially when it comes to the ear, nose and throat. So, let’s take a look at some of the most common effects that allergies cause that directly affect this area.

Nasal Congestion

Allergies can lead to a buildup of mucus that causes your nose to run or drip down the back of your throat, causing postnasal drip, leading to a cough and sore throat. It’s going to feel very similar to that having a bad cold or even the flu, but in reality, it’s just allergies. Plus, some people tend to mistake allergies for something else, like a cold or flu. But a good indication is going to be whether or not you have a fever.

Postnasal Drip

Our bodies naturally produce a quart of mucus each day to moisturize the nasal and sinus passages, trap dust and germs and fight infection. We swallow this mucus unconsciously and don’t usually notice it, but if the phlegm is thicker or more excessive than normal, we may feel like it is constantly moving down the back of our throat, causing us to cough.

This alone can technically weaken the immune system. So as normal as the postnatal drip is when it comes to allergies, if you have it for more than two weeks, you’ll need to see your ENT doctor.

Sore Throat

Allergies can impact the eustachian tube that runs from the middle ear to your throat, which helps balance pressure between the outer and inner ears. An allergy to environmental allergens can irritate this tube, leading to fluid draining down the back of your throat. This results in a sore throat and can cause a tickling sensation in the throat. But an ENT doctor can prescribe the right medicine to fix this.

Ear Pain and Hearing Loss

A lot of people forget about the side effects that allergies have on the ears. Allergies can cause too much mucus in the ear tubes to form, which can then be a breeding ground for bacteria, which of course, will lead to infections. So, you can expect some earaches to happen possibly even hearing loss. If you notice any signs or symptoms go see an ENT right away as they will be able to diagnose and treat your condition.

Medications such as antihistamines and decongestants will be able to decrease any swelling as well as reduce allergy reactions. These will help with your hearing; an ENT doctor will be able to prescribe them to you. If you’re dealing with allergies, let us help! Just reach out to Vero ENT Associates by calling us at (772) 408-9556 and one of our members will assist you!