Allergies in Princeton and Monroe, NJ
Thousands of people in the Central New Jersey area, including Princeton, Monroe and Plainsboro, are plagued by allergies. If you’re one of them, a visit to board-certified otolaryngologist Dr. Scott Kay, FACS, can have you feeling better in no time.
What are Allergies?
An allergy is the body‘s abnormal response to what is normally not a harmful substance. It is characterized by symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, a runny nose, and itching. Anyone can be plagued by allergies; however, children and those with overactive immune systems are more susceptible to developing them.
What Causes Allergies?
Allergies are caused by exposure to allergens and result from an individual’s response to them. The immune system of an allergic person develops a certain type of antibody known as immunoglobulin E or IgE in response to stimuli. A person who is not allergic will not develop these antibodies and will show no unusual symptoms as a result of exposure. Before allergic reactions occur, a period of “sensitization” occurs, and eventually leads to the immune system reacting abnormally. This can be on the order of 3 to 5 years for seasonal allergies. However, in the case of constant exposures, such as dust or animal dander, allergies can develop in several months.
Benefits of Allergy Treatment
Allergies can make life miserable, since the only way to prevent flare-ups is to avoid the substance that is causing them. Undergoing treatment will allow you to participate in activities you might not be able to enjoy otherwise and can also help you breathe easier.
How are Allergies Treated?
That will depend on the cause of your allergy. Dr. Kay might prescribe medication to help you deal with the symptoms of allergies. This include nasal steroids, antihistamines and leukotriene inhibitors. Lifestyle changes such as removing carpet, using a dehumidifier or avoiding perfumes can be helpful in certain cases as well. This could also include avoidance of foods like tomatoes or beer.
Preparing For Allergy Treatment
Before visiting Dr. Kay, you should try to determine the cause of your allergy if possible. Keep a journal of your symptoms and list any potential triggers that may have caused them. Bring this log with you to your appointment for review, along with a list of medications you are currently taking.
Allergy Treatment Recovery
Allergy treatment will likely be an ongoing process. If medications are used, be aware of any potential side effects so you can alert Dr. Kay if they become problematic.
How Much Do Allergy Treatments Cost?
That will depend on the treatment that’s recommended. We accept most major insurance plans and also offer CareCredit® financing to help you afford any remaining balance. Payments may be made by cash, personal check or a major credit card as well.
Are Allergy Treatments Right for Me?
Nearly everyone will experience an allergic reaction at one time or another, so not every outbreak is cause for concern. If allergic reactions regularly impede your daily activities, you should seek medical treatment for them.
Why Choose Princeton Otolaryngology Associates for Allergy Treatment?
Allergies are unique in that they often affect the ears, nose and throat simultaneously. As such, having a board certified otolaryngologist care for you is especially important. Dr. Scott Kay has the experience needed to ensure your allergies are properly diagnosed and carefully treated to avoid more serious ear, nose and throat problems, such as nasal polyps, chronic sinusitis and middle ear disease.
What to Expect During Your Consultation for Allergy Treatment
Your complete health history will be examined in an attempt to determine what is causing your allergy. You’ll be asked things such as where and when outbreaks occur and what symptoms you normally experience. Depending on your answers, Dr. Kay may recommend certain tests to help narrow down the cause of your problem, such as CT (computed tomography) scans or blood tests. He may elect to perform a nasal endoscopic exam in order to thoroughly diagnose the problem. He will also review the current medications you are taking to rule out the possibility that your allergies are simply a side effect of other drugs.
Allergies do not normally go away on their own and tend to get worse over time. If you’re plagued by allergies, don’t delay — contact Dr. Scott Kay at his Central New Jersey office to schedule an appointment. We see patients throughout the Central New Jersey area, including the communities of Princeton, Monroe and Plainsboro.
