Allergies

If you or a loved one frequently cough or sneeze, develop itchy skin or watery eyes, or find it difficult to breathe, you may have a common — and treatable — allergy condition. When you have allergies, your immune system reacts to a foreign substance (such as pollen, pet dander or mold) and causes a reaction that can inflame your sinuses or airways.

Caring for Nasal & Sinus-Related Allergies

When you choose OU Health to help you care for allergy conditions, you work with a team of highly skilled and expertly trained allergy specialists who provide comprehensive care. You and your team collaborate to develop an individualized treatment plan that helps you manage your condition and reduce the effects of allergies on your nose and sinuses, respiratory system and ability to get restful sleep.

If you experience hives, asthma or possible food allergies, contact OU Health to find specialists who treat these conditions.

Allergy Symptoms

Although uniquely yours, allergy symptoms vary from person to person. Allergies range from minor irritation to anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening emergency. Depending on the substance involved, your allergic reaction may include symptoms such as:

• Nasal congestion

• Clear nasal drainage

• Itchy, watery eyes

• Sneezing

• Cough

• Headache

Allergy Testing

Allergy testing helps find the specific cause of your allergic reactions. Using a controlled series of skin pricks, you and your team can identify different allergens, along with steps you can take to achieve relief from symptoms. Throughout the testing process, your OU Health doctors watch and measure your skin reactions to determine your sensitivity and to assure your safety and wellbeing.

Allergy Treatments

At OU Health, you and your team of ear, nose and throat specialists work together to help you manage your allergy symptoms through medication and lifestyle changes that may include:

• Avoidance techniques

• Oral antihistamines

• Nasal saline irrigations

• Corticosteroid nasal sprays

• Antihistamine nasal sprays

• Antihistamine eye drops

• Leukotriene inhibitors

• Smoking cessation

• Allergy immunotherapy

Allergy Immunotherapy

Allergy immunotherapy, a long-term treatment option proven to reduce allergy symptoms, may even stop symptoms completely in some people after just a few months of treatment.

Get allergy immunotherapy at OU Health tailored to your individual allergens and needs. You may choose either shots in the arm (subcutaneous) or drops under the tongue (sublingual). When given over a period of three to five years, allergy immunotherapy builds your tolerance or immunity to allergens and provides a long-lasting effect.

Related OU Health Services

Find relief from your allergy symptoms with extensive allergy treatments available to you at OU Health. Your allergy doctor may coordinate care with other specialists to help manage related conditions such as nasal and sinus disorders, pulmonology and respiratory issues and sleep disorders.

Your Expert Allergy Care Team

When you select OU Health for your allergy treatment, you benefit from working with an experienced team that includes otorhinolaryngology experts and ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists who provide comprehensive management of your condition, as well as an individualized treatment plan designed for your specific needs.