CONTACT: Alisa Gaudiosi
860.285.8459
info@alliancesbyalisa.com		   April 24, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


WHEN IS A SNEEZE NOT JUST A SNEEZE?
(DANBURY, CT)- The onset of spring weather often means sneezing, runny nose and scratchy throats. While seasonal allergies are certainly a viable cuLPRit, many patients may actually be suffering from an environmental sensitivity or other non-allergic problems that can mimic allergic rhinitis. In fact, according to Dr. Dov Bloch, an Otolaryngologist at Advanced Ear Nose and Throat in Danbury, many patients diagnosed and treated for allergies often have other superimposed problems.

"Allergy means a lot of different things to different people and while some people do suffer from allergies many have similar symptoms without any identifiable allergen," said Dr. Bloch. "A main mantra of my practice is that not all nasal symptoms are allergy, but rather, could be symptoms of a "sensitive nose", vasomotor rhinitis or even chronic sinusitis."

The main difference between the two conditions is that a seasonal allergy is principally a respiratory issue, while an environmental sensitivity is anything brought on by an irritant or environmental change. Unfortunately, both allergies and sensitivities manifest similar symptoms like difficulty breathing and nasal congestion making it more difficult to get a proper diagnosis. Sneezing, itchy watery eyes, itchy palate or throat may be more specific for allergies especially if the symptoms correspond to change in seasons or definite triggers.

Dr. Bloch notes that trial and error is often part of the process in generating the proper diagnosis. "We try to control a patient's symptoms by a combination of avoidance and medical therapy. Once we can identify the source of the symptoms, we can best recommend treatments to help control them. If the symptoms are not mild, limited in duration, and easily controlled with these measures, skin and blood allergy testing can be helpful to identify an allergen for desensitization treatments. However, many environmental sensitivity issues may not be uncovered."

He adds that typical treatments often include avoidance of triggers identified by allergy testing. Air purifiers and other changes in the home combined with prescription and over-the-counter medications like antihistamines, and topical nasal sprays including nasal steroid and saline sprays are the keys to prevention.

Likewise, the "sensitive nose" is treated symptomatically with much of the same medications and avoidance of the source of irritation. Surgical treatments are usually reserved for patients with chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, or structural defects like enlarged turbinates or a deviated septum that may contribute to the problem. Some people also seek alternative remedies such as homeopathy and acupuncture.

Advanced Ear, Nose and Throat is a division of Advanced Specialty Care, a multi-specialty medical group that also consists of Advanced Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery, Pediatric & General Surgery, Audiology & Hearing Aid Services, Hand Surgery and Allergy divisions. It is the largest group practice in Fairfield County with offices in Danbury, Ridgefield and Southbury. All physicians are board-certified in their respective areas of expertise. Advanced Ear, Nose and Throat offers the newest methods and techniques for ear infections, dizziness, sinusitis, snoring and sleep disturbances, throat infections and head and neck surgery, among others.

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