Sneezing? Must be allergies. Eyes red? Must be allergies. Congested? Must be allergies. Ears popping? It seems like “allergies” has become the go-to diagnosis for nearly everything these days. While allergies do affect millions of people in countless ways, it’s important to take a closer look.
At Rancho Ear, Nose & Throat, our comprehensive allergy evaluation and treatment services go beyond a quick label. We carefully assess both allergic and non-allergic causes of symptoms like nasal congestion, sinus pressure, runny nose, ear fullness, eye irritation, and cough, helping you find real, lasting relief through accurate diagnosis and personalized care.
Common Causes of Allergies
Allergies happen when your body’s defense system overreacts to something that’s normally harmless, like pollen, dust, or pet dander. For example, when pollen enters your nose, your immune system mistakes it for a dangerous invader such as bacteria or a virus. In response, your body releases chemicals that increase blood flow to the nose, causing congestion, runny nose, and sneezing as it tries to “fight off” the allergen.
This reaction is useful when you’re actually sick, but unnecessary when it’s triggered by harmless particles in the air. It’s like calling the fire department every time you turn on your stove; you’d end up with a mess when nothing was really wrong.
Why Do Some People Have Allergies and Others Don’t?
So why do allergies affect some people and not others? Simply put, everyone’s immune system is unique—and none are perfect. Allergies occur when your immune system misidentifies a harmless substance as a threat. Sometimes, a change in your environment—like adopting a pet or moving to a new area—can reveal these sensitivities and trigger new allergy symptoms.
Diagnosing and Treating Allergies
Before starting allergy treatment, it’s important to rule out other conditions that can mimic or worsen allergy symptoms, such as nasal blockages, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, or airborne irritants like smoke. Once these possibilities are evaluated, the next step is to identify your allergy triggers.
Sometimes the cause is obvious, like realizing your new cat makes you sneeze. Other times, it’s more complicated. You might feel sick after a day at the park surrounded by trees and grass, or you may experience symptoms year-round due to dust or food allergies. That’s why comprehensive allergy testing is essential for an accurate diagnosis.
Allergy Testing Options
Once your triggers are identified, your provider will develop a customized treatment plan.
Allergy Treatment Options
With expert evaluation and personalized care, our team helps you manage your allergies more effectively, so you can breathe, sleep, and live comfortably all year long.
Why Choose Rancho ENT
At Rancho Ear, Nose & Throat, we take a comprehensive and compassionate approach to allergy care. Our board-certified otolaryngologists, Dr. Ashish Wadhwa and Dr. Jennifer MacEwan, combine medical expertise with personalized attention to get to the root of your symptoms, not just manage them. We use advanced diagnostic tools, including allergy skin and blood testing, and offer innovative treatment options like No-Shot SLIT therapy for lasting relief. With a focus on patient comfort, clear communication, and long-term wellness, Rancho ENT is your trusted partner in allergy and sinus health.
Find Relief from Allergies Year-Round in Poway, CA
You don’t have to keep guessing what’s causing your symptoms or rely on temporary fixes. Our expert team offers personalized allergy testing and advanced treatment options to help you breathe, sleep, and live more comfortably. Call 858-674-1165 today to schedule your consultation.
