Atlanta ENT's Cumming office is opening April 2, 2024 for appointments.
Skip to main content

Allergic Rhinitis Specialist

Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C.

Board Certified Otolaryngologist & Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Specialists located in Sandy Springs, Atlanta, GA & Cumming, GA

Allergic rhinitis — or hay fever — affects roughly 8% of adults in the United States. If you regularly develop a runny or itchy nose or struggle with coughing fits or headaches, contact Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C. for an evaluation. Ramie A. Tritt, MD, provides evidence-based allergic rhinitis treatments at his two offices in Atlanta, Georgia. Find out more by requesting an appointment online or by calling either office to speak with a team member.

Allergic Rhinitis Q & A

What is allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis is an allergic overreaction of your immune system that occurs when you’re exposed to certain allergens. Your immune system becomes overly sensitive to a harmless substance, which leads to widespread issues. 

You can have either seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis (sometimes both). With seasonal issues, you tend to experience allergy symptoms in the spring, summer, and early fall months. In most cases, it’s airborne environmental particles, including pollen and mold spores, that are to blame. 

If you have perennial allergic rhinitis, you suffer from year-round allergy symptoms. Everyday substances such as dust mites and pet dander can lead to chronic issues that affect you regularly.

What are the symptoms of allergic rhinitis?

Whether you have seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis (or both), your symptoms are likely going to be similar. Allergic rhinitis is known for causing:

  • Hives 
  • Watery eyes 
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Itchy skin, eyes, or nose
  • Sneezing or coughing fits
  • Poor sleep quality and fatigue

If you experience any of these symptoms, the team at Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C. can help. Your dedicated physician performs a physical exam, gathers any necessary blood tests, and conducts a skin prick test to check for specific antigens if needed. 

Once your provider understands what’s triggering your case of allergic rhinitis, they counsel you on your treatment options.

How is allergic rhinitis treated?

Treating allergic rhinitis often involves combining medications and lifestyle changes to prevent or minimize the severity of flare-ups. Your doctor from Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C. may recommend any of the following solutions:

  • Antihistamine medications 
  • Decongestant medications
  • Nasal sprays
  • Eye drops 
  • Surgery: In Office VivAer

Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C. also provides personalized immunotherapy treatment plans (allergy shots), as well as sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). 

These highly effective treatments involve exposing you to very small doses of particular allergens, so your immune system starts recognizing them. Over time, your allergy symptoms dramatically fade away and may even disappear altogether. 

Sometimes surgery is the best way to improve the effects of nasal congestion due to allergic rhinitis. Your doctor can surgically reduce turbinate hypertrophy due to allergic rhinitis.   In the office under local anesthesia, the VivAer procedure is available to reduce nasal congestion and turbinate hypertrophy.   The entire process takes about one-half to one hour, so it's far less time-consuming. Your recovery is also much faster, with patients able to get back to normal activities the day of and at the latest the day after their VivAer procedure.

If you suffer from allergic rhinitis, you can receive the quality care you need at Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C. Request your exam online or call the clinic nearest you.