ENT Specialists of Austin

Sinusitis, or inflammation of the sinuses, can cause a stuffy nose, headaches, and even teeth pain. If you’ve tried other options to relieve sinus pressure without success, visit ENT Specialists of Austin in Austin and Cedar Park, Texas. Under the care of our team of Physicians, balloon sinuplasty is a safe and effective way to nonsurgically adjust the sinus cavities so you can breathe easy and end irritating symptoms. Call the office for a personalized consultation or schedule online using the one-click booking system. Balloon Sinuplasty Q & A What is a Balloon Sinuplasty? Balloon sinuplasty is a catheter-based sinus procedure that dilates your natural sinus openings to relieve pressure and pain. The lining of your sinuses is preserved while inflatable balloons gently remodel the natural drainage pathways. After the procedure, your sinus openings are larger, which allows the sinuses to keep functioning even in the presence of nasal swelling due to allergies or other triggers. Am I a Candidate for Balloon Sinuplasty? The balloon sinuplasty procedure is best for patients with chronic sinusitis. You may be a good candidate if you have had symptoms for longer than two months or you’ve had multiple episodes of acute sinus infections. How Does a Balloon Sinuplasty Work? The balloon sinuplasty procedure has a few key steps. First, your physician fully anesthetizes your nasal tissues and guides a catheter toward the sinus opening. Then, they pass a wire through the catheter into your sinus opening and attach a balloon over the wire and into the sinus opening. Your physician gently inflates the balloon, which stretches the sinuses open and allows the bones to heal in this position. Finally, your physician washes out the sinus cavity and suctions away any debris so you can breathe easy. What are the Benefits of a Balloon Sinuplasty? In most instances, this type of procedure is performable in the office. Advantages include a faster recovery, less bleeding, and less scarring than traditional sinus surgery. Most patients return to their normal daily routine within 1-2 days. This procedure can deliver the same results as more invasive sinus surgery. Additionally, instead of removing the tissue around the natural sinus opening, the balloon procedure gently remodels the sinuses to have a larger opening without the need for tissue removal. What Can I Expect After a Balloon Sinuplasty Procedure? Research shows that a balloon sinuplasty procedure can offer results that last up to two years. Many patients may experience relief for an extended period, while others may need to have the procedure repeated to maintain results. After a balloon sinuplasty, it’s important to take care of your sinus health and avoid allergens or irritants that might affect the health of your ear, nose, and throat. To learn more about balloon sinuplasty at ENT Specialists of Austin, book an appointment online or call the office today.

Ear tube placement is the most common childhood surgery in the United States. If your child has chronic ear infections, you can trust the professionals at ENT Specialists of Austin to provide the most effective treatment possible. If ear tubes are necessary, our team makes the surgery as easy as possible. We are now offering in-office ear tube placement for properly selected pediatric patients. If you think your child needs tubes, make an appointment online or over the phone today. Ear Tubes Q & A What are Ear Tubes? Ear tubes (also called myringotomy tubes) are the most common surgical procedure for children in the US. Almost 700,000 ear tubes are placed annually in the US every year. They are minuscule plastic tubes placed inside your child’s eardrum to help create a drainage passage for fluids. Fluid accumulation behind the eardrum can cause recurrent ear infections and hearing impairment; ear tubes help prevent those complications by adequately ventilating them. Ear Tubes Austin TX When Do Children Need Tubes in Their Ears? When fluid builds up behind the eardrum and won’t go away, it may start to affect your child’s hearing and speech development. The fluid also leads to recurrent ear infections for some children. In these cases where medical management doesn’t clear up the issue, tubes are recommended. Ear tubes usually result in: Improved hearing Improved speech Fewer ear infections Diminishment of the severity of symptoms caused by infections Better balance What Happens During Ear Tube Placement Surgery? There are 2 pathways to tube placement: 1. Under general anesthesia – Historically, ear tubes are placed under general anesthesia in an operating room. This involves anesthesia delivered to your child with only a gas mask. IV’s and breathing tubes are not typically needed. To begin the operation, the surgeon makes a tiny incision in your child’s eardrum. Then, they remove any fluid buildup inside the middle ear. Finally, they place the tube inside the hole in the eardrum. The entire procedure takes about 5 minutes. 2. Under local anesthesia in the office – We are now performing in-office ear tube placement for pediatric patients using the TULA system. This is a revolutionary procedure for children aged 6 months and older. In the office, the ear canals and eardrums of the patient are anesthetized for 10 minutes after which the tube can be placed in just a few minutes. The patient is able to leave the office immediately and enjoy their day. What Happens After Ear Tube Placement Surgery? After recovery, you can usually take your child home within a few hours if there are no complications. Your ENT specialist provides you with all necessary aftercare instructions and schedules your follow-up appointments. Your child can rest at home for a day and resume normal activities after that. They may need to use earplugs to go swimming. Ear tubes usually stay in place for 6-9 months while the eardrum heals around them. Then, the tubes naturally fall out on their own. If your child seems to have recurring ear troubles or problems hearing, make an appointment for a professional evaluation at ENT Specialists of Austin online or over the phone.

The Tula® difference The Tula System allows Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) doctors to comfortably place ear tubes in awake children during an office visit. The FDA-Approved1 system consists of: A numbing drug solution A specially-designed earplug that keeps the solution in the ear canals and a small device connected to the earplug that uses a very low electric current to transport the medicine to the eardrum A specialized tube delivery system Tula ear tubes, designed to be similar in size, function, and quality as ear tubes commonly used in the Operating Room How does the TULA procedure work? Step 1. You and your child will meet the care team and get settled in the doctor’s office. The doctor will examine your child’s ears and size them for the earplugs. Step 2. The doctor will fill each ear with the numbing drug solution and place an earplug in each ear to keep the solution in place. Step 3. Your child will be quietly occupied for about 10 minutes, while the system uses a very low electrical current to deliver the numbing medicine to the eardrum. Your child may watch videos or play with toys during this time but should not touch the earplugs or cables. Throughout the procedure, you may remain with your child or your child may be seated in your lap. Step 4. Once your child’s ear drums are numb, a doctor’s assistant gently holds the child’s head still while the doctor quickly and safely inserts the tubes using a specialized device. In order to minimize the time your child must remain still, the specialized tube delivery system inserts the tube in less than half a second per ear. Step 5. Once the doctor has completed both ears, he/she will do one last check, and you and your child are free to go home. The procedure typically lasts about 35 minutes. Most children can return to normal activities right after the insertion of the ear tubes.

A lump in your head and neck region can cause a great deal of anxiety. Whether this turns out to be benign or a cancer, Dr. Fyfe and Dr. Nason will be there through the entire process with you. We will start by ensuring a proper diagnosis. We have in-office ultrasound capability to biopsy even small masses in delicate areas. If the mass requires removal, we will take you through the whole process, counseling you on the reasons behind our decision and detailing all of the risks and benefits. At ENT Specialists of Austin, our physicians were trained at some of the best programs in the country. We have seen many cases of a wide array of pathologies. We have performed many extensive and complicated surgeries. This is why we have the confidence and comfort level to treat head and neck cancer in whatever form it presents. We are trained in traditional removal techniques as well as transoral laser resection procedures which can be used to remove tumors without external incisions. These are some of the common masses we treat: Salivary gland tumors Oral cavity tumors Tonsil tumors Base of tongue tumors Pituitary tumors Thyroid tumors Neck masses Larynx tumors Sinonasal tumors Skin masses/cancers

About 20% of Americans have some degree of hearing loss, and it’s the third most common physical condition after heart disease and arthritis. If you’re having trouble hearing or think you might need a hearing aid, visit ENT Specialists of Austin. Our practice offers a wide range of diagnostic and treatment services for children and adults in Austin and Cedar Park, Texas. To schedule a consultation, call the office or book an appointment online today. Hearing Loss & Hearing Aids Q & A What Causes Hearing Loss? Hearing loss can occur due to an issue in one or several parts of the ear. In the outer ear, hearing loss can result from blockages caused by a buildup of earwax, a foreign body, or swelling from an outer ear infection that prevents sound from reaching the eardrum. Hearing loss due to a middle ear problem is usually caused by a temporary buildup of fluid from an infection or a growth in the middle ear cavity. In the inner ear, hearing loss can stem from damage to the sensory hair cells, which can result from loud noises, high fevers, and various factors associated with aging. What are the Symptoms of Hearing Loss? Hearing loss can develop so gradually that some people may not even realize they’re losing their hearing. Common signs of hearing problems include: Trouble hearing in places where there is background noise Difficulty picking up consonants Muffled sounds or speech Need to turn up the volume on your TV or radio If you have an underlying infection or medical condition that’s causing hearing loss, you might experience additional symptoms, like headaches, migraines, or sinus problems. Do I Need a Hearing Aid? The best way to know if you need a hearing aid is to complete an adult hearing evaluation, which involves a thorough assessment of your hearing in a soundproof room. Following the hearing evaluation, your physician discusses the results with you. Based on the outcome, they may recommend hearing aids or hearing protection methods. What are the Benefits of Hearing Aids? The hearing aids available today are far superior to previous generations of hearing aids, both in performance and appearance. Many patients are pleasantly surprised by the discreet, comfortable nature of modern hearing aids, which can improve normal hearing, reduce background noise, and incorporate Bluetooth and wireless compatibility. Other benefits of hearing aids from ENT Specialists of Austin include: Style: a variety of colors to best match your hair or skin tone Selection: availability of most hearing aid brands, including Phonak, Widex, Starkey, Oticon, Resound, and Siemens, among others Accessories: can be paired with a variety of accessories to help improve your experience With a wide variety of options that improve hearing and communication, hearing aids can greatly transform your daily life and improve your social interactions. Contact ENT Specialists of Austin to schedule a consultation about hearing loss and hearing aids today. Call the practice or book an appointment online to get started.

ENT Specialists of Austin is pleased to offer a breakthrough option for patients with obstructive sleep apnea: the Inspire implant. Obstructive sleep apnea affects nearly 18 million Americans and the most popular treatment option today is continuous positive airway pressure, or a CPAP machine. Many patients simply cannot tolerate CPAP and some of those patients can be treated with Inspire, a hypoglossal nerve stimulator implant. This implant will move your tongue out of the way to help you breathe while you sleep! Who is Inspire Sleep Apnea Therapy For? Inspire is an innovative obstructive sleep apnea treatment option for people unable to use or get consistent benefit from CPAP. The fully implanted system delivers mild stimulation to key airway muscles which keeps the airway open during sleep. Inspire therapy is controlled with a small, handheld remote. At the push of a button, your sleep apnea is completely controlled without needing the complexity and messiness of CPAP. An Outpatient Procedure Boasting Big Results Since introduced in 2014, Inspire therapy has helped thousands of people get restful sleep. The device has 3 components and therefore requires 3 incisions. The procedure is typically performed in an outpatient setting in ~2 hours. The device is activated 1 month after implantation. This implant provides control of moderate to severe OSA just as effectively as CPAP but without the masks and hoses associated with CPAP. Patient satisfaction is ~94%. The biggest criteria for the Inspire are: Age > 22 A sleep study demonstrating moderate or severe OSA (AHI 15-65 events/hr) BMI < 33 Once these criteria are met, patients undergo a brief airway examination (drug-induced sleep endoscopy) to determine if they are candidates for the Inspire. Please come see us as ENT Specialists of Austin to see if this revolutionary therapy is right for you.

From an infant’s tongue tie to an adolescent’s sinus issues, the experts at ENT Specialists of Austin handle pediatric ear, nose, and throat problems with special care. our team of Physicians takes a gentler, targeted approach with children, so you and your child feel at ease. Join the other families in Austin and Cedar Park, Texas, who trust their care to the experts: Call for an appointment or book one online today. Pediatric ENT Q & A What’s the Difference Between an Adult and Pediatric ENT? A general ENT specialist diagnoses and treats all ear, nose, and throat conditions in adults and applies those same concepts to children. However, a pediatric ENT has specialized training in child-specific diagnostics and treatment. Children have unique psychologies and physiologies that require a distinctive approach from adults. Children often need specialized tools, a more tender approach, and more skillful treatments. Babies, children, and adolescents are also more vulnerable to certain conditions, such as ear infections and tongue tie issues. A minor’s stage of development determines what treatment is appropriate, and a pediatric ENT appreciates that the most. What Pediatric Conditions Do Pediatric ENT Specialists Treat? As expert pediatric ENT specialists, often see children who’ve been referred to them by the child’s pediatricians. The most common conditions they diagnose and treat include: Recurrent ear infections Frequent tonsillitis Hearing impairment Frequent nose bleeds Tongue tie and latching issues Sinusitis Allergies Sleep apnea How Do I Choose a Pediatric ENT Specialist? Choosing a pediatric ENT specialist is a very personal decision. As a parent, you want to make sure your child gets the best care possible, so you might consider the specialist’s qualifications and experience with children, and the way they relate to you. Qualifications: Pediatric ENT specialists must complete four years of medical school, one year in a surgical internship, and three or more years of otolaryngology and head/neck surgery residency training. Many go on to complete fellowships in pediatric otolaryngology. All of our Physicians have experience and training in pediatric ENT care. Experience with Children: ENT Specialists of Austin have extensive experience treating and diagnosing children. Most importantly, they have great skill making children feel at ease by taking a child-friendly approach to care. How They Relate to You: Your child’s physician should also make you, as a parent, feel at ease. Our team of Physicians take time to explain their diagnoses, get your input, and make their recommendations as partners in your child’s care. If you’re looking for a pediatric ENT specialist, contact ENT Specialists of Austin online or over the phone to schedule a consultation.

Do you have a painful lump in your mouth or discomfort while eating? If so, you might have a problem with one of your salivary glands. At ENT Specialists of Austin, salivary gland surgery is one of the many procedures offered by our team of Physicians at their locations in Austin and Cedar Park, Texas. To have your symptoms diagnosed by an expert, call the office today or book an appointment online using the one-click scheduler. Salivary Gland Surgery Q & A What is Salivary Gland Surgery? Your salivary glands produce saliva that lubricates your mouth and begins the food digestion process. If one of these glands has a stone or tumor, it may be necessary to remove the mass with a surgical procedure. The size and the location of the tumor or cyst determine how your physician performs the surgery. In some cases, ultrasound waves are used to break the stone into smaller pieces for easier removal. If it’s not possible to remove a large stone, your physician might opt to remove the entire salivary gland. When is Salivary Gland Surgery Necessary? When a salivary gland is obstructed, you might experience painful swelling. This pain typically occurs during meals, when saliva is being produced. Obstruction can also lead to infection in the gland. The most common cause of salivary obstruction is a salivary stone, also called a sialolith. Sialoliths affect about 1% of the population. These small stones grow slowly over time, blocking salivary ducts, preventing the flow of saliva, and leading to gland infections. Other causes of salivary gland obstruction that might necessitate surgery include infections, strictures, and radioactive iodine therapy, which is used to treat thyroid cancers. What Can I Expect with Salivary Gland Surgery? At ENT Specialists of Austin, our team of Physicians are experts at salivary gland removal for masses, large stones, and chronic infections. The delicate anatomy of these glands requires obsessive attention to detail when dealing with these crucial structures and performing surgery. Dr. Nason has brought the new technique of sialendoscopy to Austin. As the first surgeon to perform sialendoscopy in the city, he can remove salivary stones through your natural salivary ducts. He can still remove larger stones, sometimes with a combination of several methods, so that complete gland removal is avoided about 90% of the time. After your surgery, you may experience some weakness or numbness in the face. If you have sutures, your physician removes them within about 7-10 days. To request a consultation about salivary gland surgery with ENT Specialists of Austin, book an appointment online or call the office today.

A deviated septum can cause breathing problems and sleep apnea. If you need septoplasty to correct a deviated septum, turn to the experts at ENT Specialists of Austin. Our team of Physicians have advanced experience performing the surgery. If you’re looking for an ENT doctor in the Austin or Cedar Park, Texas area, call or click here to make an appointment today. Septoplasty Q & A What is a Deviated Septum? A deviated septum is a deformity that leaves the thin wall between your nostrils off-centered. For some sufferers, a displaced septum compresses one nostril, causing breathing difficulties. In most cases, an injury to the nose or a birth defect causes a deviated septum. The septum can be forced out of alignment from blunt force to the nose during an accident, sports, or a fight. What are the Signs of a Deviated Septum? Unless it’s severe, most adults and children aren’t aware they have a deviated septum. In fact, some level of septum deviation is quite common. Some symptoms that could indicate a deviated septum are: Congestion in one nostril Frequent nosebleeds Noisy breathing during sleep Recurring sinus infections When Does a Deviated Septum Need to Be Corrected? By taking a detailed medical review and physical exam, your doctor investigates the circumstances surrounding your deviated septum. They try to find conservative, nonsurgical solutions for your symptoms first. Initial treatment involves decongestants, antihistamines, and nasal spray to treat the bothersome symptoms. These medications help decrease inflammation and open up your nasal passages. However, some of these medications aren’t meant to be taken long-term. If your symptoms are severe or life-altering and medication doesn’t help or stops working, you may need surgery. Your ENT specialist may suggest septoplasty to fix your deviated septum. What is Septoplasty? Septoplasty is a surgical procedure to correct a deviated septum. The surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis so that you can return home the same day. After administering local or general anesthesia, your ENT Specialists otolaryngologist works through a small incision inside your nose. During the surgery, they recenter and straighten your septum to un-obstruct the airway. They may have to trim parts of the septum before putting it into proper position. When the procedure is over, your surgeon sutures the incision and brings you to a recovery room. If you’re considering septoplasty for a deviated septum, meet with the experts at ENT Specialists of Austin to discuss your options. Call or book online today.

Do you have pain when eating, swallowing, or speaking? Salivary stones can disrupt the normal flow of saliva and cause extreme pain and infection in the mouth. Sialendoscopy is a revolutionary, minimally invasive technique to remove salivary stones without extracting the entire gland. As one of the first practices in the area to offer this procedure, ENT Specialists of Austin provides this procedure to patients at the Austin and Cedar Park, Texas locations. To book a consultation with our team of Physicians call or schedule an appointment online. Sialendoscopy Q & A What is Sialendoscopy? Sialendoscopy is a procedure that utilizes minimally invasive technology to extract stones from salivary glands without the need to remove the entire gland. Dr. Nason was the first physician in Austin to perform this highly technical surgery. The technique uses semi-rigid endoscopes, or lighted cameras, that are small enough to fit into your salivary ducts. Once they’re in the ducts, your physician can accurately identify the cause of salivary problems or disease. If you have a salivary stone, this procedure also allows your physician to access the stone, break it into smaller pieces, and remove it without injuring nearby nerves. When is Sialendoscopy Necessary? Sialendoscopy is usually performed if a patient has salivary stones. These small masses grow inside the salivary glands and affect about 1% of the general population. The exact cause of salivary stone formation is unclear, but the stones can obstruct your natural flow of saliva and cause pain or swelling. Bouts of pain can come on unexpectedly, and the condition can significantly interfere with your quality of life and your ability to eat, swallow, or even speak. Many people receive antibiotics for the condition, which don’t help to resolve the underlying problem. Other symptoms of salivary stones may include fevers, chills, and dry mouth. Eventually, the obstruction can lead to gland infection, which may cause long-term oral health problems. What are the Benefits of Sialendoscopy? Sialendoscopy has revolutionized salivary gland surgery because it has dramatically reduced the need to remove a salivary gland entirely. Research shows the procedure has a success rate of about 85-95%. With sialendoscopy, patients can avoid the risks associated with open gland removal, including injury to the facial or lingual nerves, scarring, facial deformities, and bleeding. This minimally invasive procedure also requires no hospital time, and there is no need for wound care or extended recovery time. Under the expert care of experienced head and neck surgeons, you can guarantee that your sialendoscopy will deliver the results you need without the complications associated with traditional salivary gland surgery. For a consultation about sialendoscopy at ENT Specialists of Austin, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

When you stop breathing during sleep, your body is deprived of oxygen, which leads to serious health complications. our team of Physicians help you reclaim your sleep with CPAP machines, lifestyle adjustments, and mouth appliances. If you suspect you have sleep apnea, contact the specialists at ENT Specialists of Austin online or over the phone at their Austin or Cedar Park, Texas locations. Snoring & Sleep Apnea Q & A What is Sleep Apnea?Sleep Apnea Austin, TX Sleep apnea is a condition that causes you to breathe in a disruptive start-and-stop pattern while you sleep. Sleep apnea can result in dangerous side effects. The three types of sleep apnea are: Obstructive sleep apnea: the throat relaxes and blocks airflow Central sleep apnea: problems with brain signals that control breathing Complex sleep apnea syndrome: a combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea What are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea? Another person might make you aware of the symptoms of sleep apnea before you notice them. For instance, they may notice that your breathing stops or that you snore loudly. Other signs of sleep apnea include: Waking up unrested Dry mouth or sore throat Insomnia Morning headaches Sudden waking with shortness of breath What are the Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea? Sleep apnea isn’t just a problem with sleep. The disorder can affect your overall health and cause life-threatening complications without any treatment. The decreased oxygen and sleep disruptions associated with sleep apnea increase your risk for the following: High blood pressure Heart failure Heart attack Stroke Vehicle or workplace accidents Metabolic syndrome Type 2 diabetes Fatty liver disease What Treatment Options are Available for Snoring and Sleep Apnea?Transoral Robotic Surgery Austin TX The first line of treatment usually involves lifestyle adjustments and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, followed by surgery to correct obstructions. Lifestyle Adjustments: Obesity and smoking contribute to your sleep apnea risks, so your doctor may recommend weight loss and smoking cessation to reduce those risks. A mandibular splint may also help hold your airways open in mild sleep apnea cases. CPAP Machine: A CPAP machine connects to a face mask that you wear over your nose. The machine forces air into your nose or mouth while you sleep to override your abnormal breathing patterns. Inspire Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulator Implant: The innovative Inspire system delivers mild stimulation to the hypoglossal nerve, which controls the tongue and muscle motion in the airways of your body. This allows for healthy breathing as you sleep throughout the night. Surgery: If your condition doesn’t improve with lifestyle adjustments or a CPAP machine, you may be a candidate for surgery. The neck and throat surgeons at ENT Specialists of Austin provide the following surgeries – Septoplasty: corrects a deviated septum Turbinate reduction: trims down the soft structures inside your nose Polyp removal: cuts out growths inside nasal passages Tonsillectomy: removes tonsils Soft palate trim: removes tissues that cause vibration Expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty – a newer procedure to relocate throat muscles to open the airway Consult with the experts at ENT Specialists of Austin for all your treatment options. Call or click now to make an appointment.

Hoarseness, sore throat, or complete loss of voice may be signs of a throat and voice disorder. If you have symptoms that aren’t getting better, visit our team of Physicians at ENT Specialists of Austin in Austin and Cedar Park, Texas. From laryngitis to vocal cord cysts, the team of ear, nose, and throat physicians can treat your condition and help you reclaim your throat health. To get started with a personalized consultation, book an appointment online or call the office today. Throat & Voice Disorders Q & A What are Some Common Throat and Voice Disorders?Throat Disorders Austin At ENT Specialists of Austin, the team of experts treats children and adults with a wide range of throat and voice problems, such as: Tonsil issues: recurrent or chronic tonsillitis and tonsil stones Growths: masses, lumps, polyps, or nodules on the lips, mouth, throat, or vocal cords Swelling: from allergies or other inflammatory conditions Underlying conditions: like laryngopharyngeal reflux, throat cancer, subglottic stenosis, or spasmodic dysphonia Other common throat and voice disorders may include difficulty swallowing, vocal cord paralysis, or the changes in your voice associated with aging. What are the Symptoms of a Throat and Voice Disorder? Symptoms of a throat and voice disorder vary, depending on what your underlying problem is. It’s common to experience: Hoarseness Coughing Sore throat Pain when swallowing Difficulty speaking Irritation, swelling, or itching in the throat When Should I See a Doctor About a Throat or Voice Disorder? If you’re having difficulty with your voice, the experts at ENT Specialists of Austin understand how concerning this can be. The standard recommendation is to have an examination if your symptoms persist for more than two weeks. However, if you’re having severe symptoms or need immediate relief before then, contact the practice to schedule a consultation. How are Throat and Voice Disorders Treated? At ENT Specialists of Austin, the physicians use in-office video endoscopy technology to see the inside of your esophagus and throat canal. This is enough to provide an accurate diagnosis, but your physician may order additional diagnostic tests. Once your physician diagnoses your condition, they can recommend numerous treatment options to help you recover. This might include a “wait and see” approach, medication, speech therapy, or surgery. There are many ways you can help protect your throat and voice health at home, so it’s critical to practice good habits to allow yourself a full recovery. Avoid smoking, rest your voice, reduce your exposure to allergens, and take any recommended medication as instructed. To learn more about treatment for throat and voice disorders, call the practice today or book an appointment online.

Seasonal Allergies Allergies fall under two categories: seasonal and perennial. Perennial allergies occur year-round, while seasonal allergies appear during specific times of the year, generally during spring when trees and flowers bloom. They can also occur in the fall, when ragweed is at its worst. Seasonal allergies are often referred to as hay fever. Mold Allergies Individuals with mold allergies experience immune system reactions whenever mold spores are inhaled. Mold allergy symptoms are similar to those that occur with other types of allergies and include a stuffy or runny nose, itchy and/or watery eyes, wheezing, cough and at times postnasal drip. Some Individuals might develop a rash or hives. Mold allergies are capable of triggering asthma attacks in those who are susceptible. Molds are extremely common, both indoors and out. Not all molds cause allergic reactions, and not everybody who breathes in mold spores will experience symptoms. Allergy Treatment Q & A What Is a Skin Prick Test? A skin prick test is the most common form of allergy testing. This test involves placing a small drop of an allergen extract on your skin. It is done by placing a drop of antigen on the back, with a sterile plastic multiple test applicator. These applicators allow the solution to enter the skin. After 15 minutes, any swelling or redness is measured and, depending on the size, is considered a positive reaction. What is an Intradermal Test? After the skin prick testing has been performed, we will perform the intradermal tests if necessary. During intradermal testing, the allergen solution is injected under the skin with a very small gauge needle to the upper arm area. The sensation has been described “similar to a mosquito bite.” The results are evaluated after 15 minutes. The findings will be reviewed with you. Allergy Shots Allergy shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy) are the most common form of immunotherapy. They can be used as a long-term treatment for allergies. They work by getting your body used to the allergen slowly, with the hopes that you will develop an immunity or tolerance to the allergen. The process takes place in two phases, the build-up phase and the maintenance phase. The build-up phase involves a small amount of the allergen being injected into the upper arm once a week for the first year. The dosage is gradually increased at each visit. The length of the build-up phase depends entirely on your body’s reaction. Once you have reached the effective dose, typically the most you can handle without showing symptoms, the maintenance phase will begin. The dosage is no longer increased at each visit and the number of shots is decreased. The maintenance phase involves an allergy shot once every 2-3 weeks for three to five years. What Can I Expect from Allergy Shots? Allergy symptoms will not improve overnight; symptoms will typically improve over the first year of consistent treatment and continue to improve over the next few years. The shots may even decrease symptoms for other allergens and prevent new allergies from developing. Are There Any Risks with Allergy Drops? Generally mild symptoms, ranging from localized itching in the mouth to intestinal discomfort, which often goes away after several weeks. Local reactions for SLIT are uncommon and are usually restricted to mouth itching or upset stomach. Membranes under the tongue have fewer anti-inflammatory cells than the skin, making reactions far less likely. Cells under the tongue move the drops into the lymphoid tissue and then the immune response occurs. This process eventually creates allergen tolerance. Benefits of Allergy Drops: Convenience: Take allergy drops anywhere Less Maintenance: Minimal office visits; drops are picked up every 3 months Reduced Medication: Research indicates a decrease in the need for symptom controlling medications after the first 3 months on allergy drops. How Does an Allergy Blood Test Work? A blood test is used to measure how much of an allergen-specific antibody, called immunoglobulin E (IgE), is in your blood. The more allergen specific IgE in your blood, the more likely you are to be allergic. Blood tests are typically used to confirm the results of a skin test; they may also be used in lieu of skin tests if a serious allergy makes skin testing unsafe.

When Should I Get Allergy Tested? Consider allergy testing if you frequently experience sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, or difficulty breathing. Allergy testing can be particularly beneficial if: Your symptoms persist despite over-the-counter treatments. You have asthma or other respiratory conditions exacerbated by allergies. What is Allergy Testing? Allergy testing is utilized to identify specific allergens that trigger allergic reactions. When allergies impact your quality of life, accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are crucial. We utilize skin prick testing and intradermal testing to pinpoint your allergies accurately. Skin Prick Test The skin prick test is a primary diagnostic tool for identifying allergens. This test involves pricking the skin with a small amount of the suspected allergen and observing for any reaction, such as redness or swelling, within 15-20 minutes. This method is highly effective and suitable for individuals aged five and older. The allergens tested include 38 environmental allergens from tree pollen, molds, grasses, weeds, dust mites and pet dander. The severity of reaction is measured based on how your skin reacts to each allergen. For example, if you are allergic to one of the pricks, you might see a slight bump known as a “wheal.” The wheal may also have surrounding redness called a “flare.” By comparing these reactions with saline and histamine reactions, we examine which allergens your body is reacting to and their severity. As a result, we can learn about your allergies and put together plans specific for every individual. To begin, the skin is cleaned with alcohol to ensure all foreign substances are removed. The skin is then pricked, and a solution with a small amount of the allergen is introduced. Two control pricks for comparison purposes are performed, one containing glycerinated saline and another containing histamine (which should cause a small allergic reaction). Intradermal Allergy Testing During a regular skin test, specific allergens may not react on the skin’s surface. Instead, these substances need to be introduced just below the skin’s surface to get a response from the body. During an intradermal skin test, a small needle will inject a trace amount of the specific allergen. It helps identify allergic reactions with greater precision. This test is perfectly safe and is done with close monitoring to ensure safety and maximize comfort. What Can I Expect at an Allergy Testing Appointment? You will undergo a comprehensive 1-2 hour evaluation during your visit with our trained allergy clinical team. This includes a detailed discussion of your medical history, family history, lifestyle, and symptoms. This information helps our clinical team understand the factors contributing to your allergic responses and tailor a treatment plan accordingly. The Testing Process Symptom Discussion: Share details about your symptoms’ frequency, triggers, and severity. Test Administration: Our trained staff will administer the test(s); the results will be available in real-time. Result Analysis: Understand your specific allergies, treatment options, and lifestyle adjustments to manage your condition.

What Are the Treatment Options for Allergies? After diagnosing your allergies, our team will discuss various treatment options tailored to your needs. We offer two primary forms of immunotherapy: allergy shots and allergy drops. Allergy Immunotherapy Immunotherapy is an approach to treating allergies that aims to address the root cause rather than just alleviating symptoms. It works by gradually reeducating your immune system to tolerate allergens better. During immunotherapy, your body is introduced to a little of your allergen over a long period to “retrain” your body to identify it as harmless. This is the only form of medical management that treats your allergies rather than controlling symptoms. The frequency of immunotherapy varies based on the specific approach (shots, tablets, or drops). Allergy Shots Allergy shots, or subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), involve regular injections of gradually increasing doses of the allergen. This method helps your immune system become less sensitive to the allergen over time, providing long-term relief from allergy symptoms. These shots are the oldest and most established form of allergy immunotherapy. A small amount of the allergen (e.g., pollen) is injected beneath your skin. Over time, the concentration of the allergen increases gradually. Immunotherapy is a long-term commitment, but it can significantly improve your quality of life by reducing allergic symptoms over time. Allergy Drops Allergy drops, known as sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), involve placing drops of the allergen under your tongue. This method offers the same benefits as allergy shots but without injections, making it a convenient option for many patients. Allergy Tablets Currently, FDA-approved SLIT – tablets options are only available for ragweed, grass, and dust mites. For SLIT – tablets, you will place a tablet containing the allergen under your tongue until it dissolves. Over time, the concentration of the allergen increases gradually.

At Austin Auditory Specialists, we believe that our job is to guide and empower patients to make the best and most informed decisions for their hearing and communication needs. Along with the doctors at ENT Specialists of Austin, we are passionate about providing the highest standard of care. We commit to taking the time to listen, build trust, educate and partner with our patients throughout their hearing care journey. We encourage open communication and believe that a sense of humor, empathy and kindness make the world a better place. We understand that hearing loss treatment cannot have a “one size fits all” approach. That’s why we provide a full spectrum of hearing care in collaboration with our partners at ENT Specialists of Austin, working together to determine the most suitable treatment plan for each patient. If we need to try more than one option to find your best solution, we will.