Welcome back to our blog page here at Downriver ENT! Whether you visit us at our Allen Park ENT location or you travel to Southfield to see us, we are your best source for all things ENT-related. Do you need a pediatric ENT? We are not only certified to work with kids, we are passionate about providing your child with excellent and gentle care. Do you need a cancer screening? Our professional ENT team is ready and waiting to provide you with experienced and professional care, whether we provide you with a diagnosis or we help you rule cancer out. Our goal is to give you the most helpful medical treatment and advice so that you’ll be on the path to health in no time. No matter what kind of ENT services you’re in need of, we’d love to help you — contact us at Downriver ENT today!

Though there are a number of excellent ENT services that we provide at both our Southfield and Allen Park ENT locations, some are more popular than others. One of the services for which we often see people on a daily basis is our expert allergy testing. We’re able to offer area residents valuable testing for allergies such as hay fever, pollen, foods, and animals.

The Impact of Allergies

Allergies can wreak havoc on our daily lives. Those who suffer from seasonal allergies can definitely have a difficult time functioning during certain times of year and in certain regions. Those who deal with these frustrating allergic reactions can often feel like they have a severe cold that lasts for months. Others who have food or animal allergies suffer in a different way.

Those who deal with food allergies must constantly screen their diets for anything from nuts to gluten to peppers and deal with some of the worst reactions when they accidentally miss a hidden ingredient. Others who have allergies to pet dander usually just avoid the animal in question in an effort to avoid the discomfort that so often comes with it. It’s bad enough to deal with this discomfort and frustration when you have your diagnosis, know which plants, foods, or animals to avoid, or know which foods to steer clear of. It’s a whole other issue when you know you might have an allergy, but you can’t seem to pinpoint what it is.

That’s where we come in.

Downriver ENT offers life-changing diagnoses to those suffering from allergies, because since knowledge is power, why live another moment not knowing what you’re allergic to? Let’s discuss why some of us deal with allergies, and what causes them.

What Causes Allergies?

Symptoms from allergies develop when the immune system reacts to an allergic substance that has entered the body. The immune system produces antibodies capable of recognizing the same allergic substance if it re-enters the body in the future. When the body’s defensive system senses an allergen, it will begin a series of reactions such as:

• Dilation of the blood vessels
• Tissue destruction
• Production of inflammatory substances like histamine
• Skin irritation
• Other respiratory problems

It can be hard to understand why some people are allergic to everything under the sun, and others don’t seem to have allergic reactions to anything. Furthermore, some people have lived their lives allergy-free and will suddenly develop allergic reactions at a certain age or after moving to a different climate or region. Let’s take a look at some of the most common allergies at different times of the year.

Common Allergies During Every Season

Though the United States offers many different climates, pressure levels, and humidity numbers, here are some of the most common allergies at different times of the year here in Allen Park.

1. December Through February – Dust. Though the winter months often offer some relief from those who deal with outdoor allergies, many people still suffer if they are allergic to dust. The dry climates that most states and regions encounter usually offer plenty of dust, which can make life tough for those who have a sensitivity. If you’re allergic to dust, try to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter, use a humidifier to cut down on the dryness, and avoid dusty areas like attics and basements.

2. March – Tree Pollen. Those who are allergic to tree pollen usually have a difficult time in March. If you suspect that you might be allergic to the pollen from a specific tree, let Downriver ENT help you get tested so you can know for sure.

3. April Through June – All Pollens. Those who suffer from tree pollen, grass pollen, and flower pollen will usually have the hardest time during these months. If you seem to have cold-like symptoms for months every spring, you are probably allergic to pollen. Contact Downriver ENT to get tested today!

4. July Through August – Mold and Fungus. Since, in most regions, these months are usually the hottest and most humid of the year, mold and fungus plague those who are allergic the most during these peak times.

5. September Through October – Ragweed. People who deal with a ragweed allergy often have the hardest time during the fall months.

6. November – Many people who deal with consistent outdoor allergies often think of November as the golden month. November is usually a month before the extreme dryness of the winter has set in, but after the ragweed of the fall has passed.

If you’re ready to take control of your seasonal allergies, don’t waste another minute! Get allergy testing at Downriver ENT in Allen Park today. Contact us now to schedule your appointment.