Everett Ear, Nose & Throat

Allergy Testing: What You Need to Know

When you consult an allergist or otolaryngologist for treatment to relieve your allergy symptoms, you may need to have allergy testing to pinpoint the triggers for your condition. By knowing what it is you are allergic to, your doctor can provide the most accurate and personalized treatment possible. You will also be better able to manage your allergies by understanding what substances to avoid in daily life.

How testing works
There are two types of allergy testing that may be recommended for you: skin testing and blood testing. Skin tests are the most common method, and they are typically sufficient for determining the cause of allergic reactions. However, they may not be appropriate for some patients, and in those cases, a blood test will be ordered. In a skin test, a small area of the skin will be pricked and exposed to a suspected allergen. If a reaction occurs, an allergy is present. The allergens used for the test will be determined by your answers to a questionnaire reviewing your specific symptoms and environmental exposures. The test takes approximately one hour to complete.

Preparing for your allergy test
In order to get the most accurate results, you will need to refrain from taking antihistamines 48 hours prior to your test appointment. The doctor will provide a complete list of medications that may pose complications in your test results to ensure that you do not accidentally take any medicine of this variety. You will be asked not to wear any perfume, scented lotions, or cologne the day of your appointment, as these products can increase skin sensitivity. You should eat about one hour prior to your office visit and wear short-sleeved clothing that will allow for easy skin testing.

To learn if an allergy test is necessary for you, schedule a consultation with Everett Ear, Nose & Throat. Contact us at (425) 903-8556 or visit our website to make your first appointment. 

Tips For Taking Care Of Your Sinuses

Allergies, asthma, and sinus problems can affect your quality of life. Learn more about these conditions through the resources below. 

• The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology offers tips for exercising with asthma.
• Learn what may be triggering your asthma in this piece by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• This Asthma Action Plan provided by the National Institute of Health can help you track your symptoms, triggers, and medication.
• Learn about different types of sleep studies in this article by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.
• The Mayo Clinic offers information about sleep apnea symptoms.

For additional information or to schedule an appointment with a specialist, contact Everett Ear, Nose, and Throat by calling (425) 903-8556 today!

What to Expect from an At-Home Sleep Study

Spending the night at a sleep center is helpful for diagnosing a variety of problems, but it can be difficult, expensive, and inconvenient to do so, particularly if you have dependents, a disability, or a demanding job. If you or your doctor suspect you may be suffering from sleep apnea, there are now effective ways to find out while sleeping in your own bed. Here’s what you can expect during an at-home sleep study.

Before You Begin
Before participating in a sleep study, it’s important to understand whether you are a proper candidate. You must be between the ages of 18 and 65, with no major medical problems or other sleep disorders that might affect the results of the testing or put you at risk. Your doctor can determine if you are a good candidate for a sleep study based on an evaluation. To be eligible, you must also be at high risk of having fairly severe sleep apnea, which may be determined based on daytime sleepiness, obesity, and witnessed symptoms like heavy snoring and pauses in breathing during sleep.

Data Collection
The sleep study uses several types of data to determine if you are suffering from sleep apnea. Your airflow, breathing effort, blood oxygen, snoring sounds, and head and neck movements may all be monitored.

The Process
There are several types of testing, some lasting multiple nights. You will be given specific instructions, which may include placing sensors on your face and body and bands around your chest and abdomen. After your study, you will meet with your doctor to discuss the results and to determine if further testing is needed or if there is a treatment plan that is appropriate for you.

A good night’s sleep is vital for your physical and mental wellbeing. If you feel groggy during the day or have other symptoms of a sleep disorder, contact Everett Ear, Nose, and Throat to meet with a specialist who can diagnose and treat your condition. Contact us today by calling (425) 903-8556!

Controlling Asthma Attacks

Asthma affects millions of Americans, including about 20 percent of summer Olympic athletes. If left untreated, the symptoms can be serious and even life-threatening, but with the help of a specialist, asthma is a manageable condition. In this clip, learn the steps toward full control of asthma, starting with identifying the symptoms.

If you suffer from abnormal wheezing, coughing, trouble breathing, or other symptoms, an ear, nose, and throat specialist can help you determine if asthma is the cause. At Everett Ear, Nose, and Throat, our experienced staff can help you with a variety of conditions, including asthma and allergies, sinus conditions, and sleep disorders. Contact us today by calling (425) 903-8556!

Questions to Ask Your Ear, Nose & Throat Doctor About Asthma

After your visit to an ear, nose, and throat specialist, you should feel confident in your knowledge of asthma and how to deal with your condition in daily and emergency situations. While your doctor should go over most of the information you need, it’s important you ask questions if you are unsure about anything. Bring in a list of questions when you meet with your doctor, and write down his or her responses.

What is Triggering My Asthma?
The cause of asthma in individuals is unknown, but it often runs in families. Asthma attacks have a variety of triggers, which vary, but include allergies and exercise.

What Changes Can I Make to Reduce Triggers?
Your doctor can help you make an action plan through which you can reduce exposure to allergens and other triggers in your home and work environments. If you keep a diary of your symptoms, triggers, and treatment, you’ll start to notice patterns and begin to understand and control your asthma more effectively.

What Kind of Asthma Tests Will I Need?
There are several types of tests used to diagnose a patient with asthma. These include a lung function test, chest x-rays, allergy tests, and more. Your doctor will determine which of these tests are right for you.

Is it Safe for Me to Exercise Normally?
With medication, your asthma should not interfere with an active lifestyle. However, certain activities may be difficult, particularly those that involve long periods of running or other exertion and those that involve spending a lot of time in the cold. Your doctor can advise you specifically about what types of activity to avoid.

For more information about asthma or to make an appointment with a specialist, contact Everett Ear, Nose, and Throat. Our board-certified sinus and allergy specialists can assist you in all stages of treatment. Call us today at  (425) 903-8556!