Allergies

What are Nasal Allergies?

Allergies are one of the most common conditions seen in ENT — and one of the most significant contributors to a wide range of nasal, sinus, and throat symptoms. When the immune system overreacts to harmless substances like pollen, dust, pet dander, or mold, the result is a cascade of inflammation that can affect the nose, sinuses, throat, and even the voice.

For many patients, allergies are a root cause that underlies multiple other conditions — chronic sinusitis, nasal obstruction, post-nasal drip, and throat irritation can all be driven or worsened by uncontrolled allergic disease. Treating allergies effectively is often the key to resolving a whole constellation of symptoms that have resisted treatment elsewhere.

Common Symptoms of Nasal Allergies

• Sneezing, itching, and a runny or congested nose
• Itchy, watery, or red eyes
• Post-nasal drip and chronic throat clearing
• Nasal congestion that worsens during certain seasons or in certain environments
• Fatigue related to poor sleep from nasal congestion
• Worsening of asthma or breathing symptoms

Diagnosis & Treatment

Dr. Benjamin Rafii evaluates allergic disease as part of a comprehensive assessment of nasal and sinus health at our Beverly Hills practice. When allergies are identified as a contributing factor, treatment may include environmental modifications, nasal steroid sprays, antihistamines, and referral to an allergist for formal allergy testing and immunotherapy when appropriate.

Addressing allergies is often an essential part of successfully treating related conditions — and is always considered as part of the bigger picture when evaluating nasal obstruction, chronic sinusitis, or rhinitis.