Top Ten Questions to Ask Your ENT Before Allergy Season | Raleigh Capitol Ear, Nose, and Throat

Updated August 2025

At Raleigh Capital Ear, Nose, Throat & Allergy, we’ve served the local community for decades, providing care that combines the best in compassionate treatment and state-of-the-art sophistication. Don’t let the fatigue of allergies drain your energy? Contact us for an appointment and be prepared this allergy season.

In this article, we’ll tackle all the facets of allergy treatment, including questions you should ask your ENT doctor. Remember, we’re happy to take time to answer any question you may have, so don’t hesitate to ask us.

Gearing Up for Allergy Season: 10 Questions to Ask Your ENT

1. WHAT AM I ALLERGIC TO?

While many people use “hay fever” or “allergies” to refer to a wide variety of symptoms, these blanket terms don’t really get at the heart of what is causing the problem. The best course of treatment depends upon what you are allergic to—and pollen isn’t the only culprit.

Some of the most common allergens include:

Mold
Pet dander
Pollen
Airborne pollutants

Many of these allergens are around you all year, which makes it even more important to identify the cause of your problems.

2. HOW CAN I PREVENT ALLERGY PROBLEMS?

Once your ENT has found the answer to what you are allergic to, he or she can then tackle a treatment plan. Sometimes, the solution may be as simple as removing the source of your allergies.

For example, if air pollutants irritate your sinus passages, you may need to install a special type of filter in your home. Likewise, if ragweed pollen is the source of your distress, you’ll want to keep windows and doors shut during pollen season.

3. IS MEDICATION THE RIGHT OPTION FOR ME?

Some patients have allergies throughout the year. If medication is not proving effective, or if patients don’t wish to remain on medication indefinitely, immunotherapy may be an option. Immunotherapy slowly introduces the allergen to your system, “teaching” your body how to fight it.

4. ARE ALLERGIES THE SOURCE OF MY PROBLEMS?

In some cases, there may be structural problems with the sinuses themselves. Your ENT physician can determine if this is the source of your discomfort and outline a plan for treatment.

5. DO I NEED TO CLEAN MY SINUSES? HOW?

Nasal saline irrigation can help remove mucus and allergens by gently running salt water throughout your sinuses. It’s not as difficult as it may sound, and your ENT can provide a complete guide on how to perform a saline nasal irrigation.

6. DO I NEED ALLERGY SHOTS?

There are many ways to treat allergies, and your ENT will perform a skin test to determine the cause of your allergies and tailor a health care treatment plan to fit your needs. Immunotherapy (often called “allergy shots”) has proven to be an effective course of treatment for many patients.

7. I HATE NEEDLES. IS THERE AN ALTERNATIVE TO ALLERGY SHOTS?

Yes. You may be a candidate for SLIT – sublingual immunotherapy During SLIT, drops are placed under the tongue, held there for two minutes, and then swallowed. Your ENT can determine if you’re a candidate.

8. DO I NEED ANTIBIOTICS TO GET RID OF MY INFECTION?

Overuse of antibiotics can cause serious problems. In many cases, overuse can promote the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria—often called “superbugs.” This means that antibiotics will gradually lose their effectiveness while “superbugs” become stronger. While some infections are caused by bacteria, others are caused by viruses. Antibiotics will NOT help against a virus.

The good news is that those in relatively good health do not need antibiotics to fully recover, and some studies indicate that even when antibiotics are prescribed, they don’t necessarily help patients recover faster.

9. HOW CAN I TELL IF I HAVE AN ALLERGY OR A COLD?

Good question. It’s often difficult to tell the difference. While only an ENT can make an accurate diagnosis, a general rule of thumb is that a cold can last three to 10 days, while allergies tend to linger for weeks. In addition, symptoms such as aches and pains and a sore throat tend to fall into the cold category. Itchy eyes are common in allergies, but not with colds.

10. CAN SINUS SURGERY HELP ME?

Of course, this will depend upon each individual patient’s situation. In some cases, sinus surgery such as a Balloon Sinuplasty can be very helpful by opening small sinus passages and allowing them to drain. Speak with your ENT about your options.

See Why We Are a Leader in Allergy Prevention and Treatment: Schedule an Appointment to Find Relief

Allergies affect millions of Americans, causing frustrating symptoms like fatigue, sneezing, and runny noses that can disrupt daily life. At our practice, we’re committed to being a partner in your care—helping you find the most effective path to relief. We encourage you to schedule an appointment with us so we can discuss your symptoms, explore treatment options, and address any additional questions or concerns you may have.

We’ve reviewed some common questions you may want to ask us during your appointment. Next, let’s delve deeper into some interesting facts you should know about allergies.

If You Have Allergies, You Should Know These Four Facts

More than 50 million Americans have seasonal allergies, making them the sixth leading cause of chronic illnesses in the United States, costing more than $18 billion.

That certainly brings a different perspective to the runny noses and watery eyes that plague Raleigh’s spring and fall.

However, are you aware that allergies can put you at risk for other health problems?

Or that the source of your allergy woes may be lurking in your living room?

Whether allergies are a seasonal inconvenience or a constant problem, there are some important facts you should know. These will help you speak with your ENT about therapies that can help you.

What Causes Allergies?

That piece of pollen isn’t pollen—at least, as far as your body’s concerned. It sees the allergen as an unwelcome invader. When you come into contact with an allergen like pollen, your body alerts your immune system, which creates antibodies. Later, if your body comes in contact with that same allergen, the antibodies “remember” it and produce histamine. Histamine is responsible for typical allergy symptoms such as:

Stuffy nose
Watery eyes
Scratchy throat
Sneezing
Runny nose
Hives

For some, allergies are a minor inconvenience, but for others, they can have a devastating effect on day-to-day life. To keep spring and fall allergies from interfering with your lifestyle, it’s important to examine these facts about allergies.

Four Facts You Should Know About Your Allergies

1. YOUR HOME MAY BE THE SOURCE OF YOUR PROBLEMS.

Do you have indoor/ outdoor pets? They can contribute to your allergies. When you let Fido run around the yard, tiny flecks of pollen attach to his fur. Then he brings this allergen into your home. You pat him on the head and later touch your nose. That’s all it takes for outside allergens to creep into your home and cause classic allergy symptoms.

Pets aren’t the only culprit: if you’ve left your windows open or allowed dust to collect on your favorite knickknacks, you’re inadvertently contributing to your allergy problem. Don’t forget that carpets harbor all sorts of allergens, and even dust mites can creep into bedding.

While there are a lot of things you can’t control, it’s important to control the things you can. Some of these include:

Encase bedding in dust-mite proof covers.
If possible, replace carpeting with hardwood or use washable area rugs.
If you have carpet, use a vacuum that has a HEPA filter.
If you have an indoor/outdoor pet, bathe it regularly.
Store stuffed animals and children’s toys in plastic bins.
Use washable curtains or plastic blinds.
Avoid wood-burning stoves.
Eliminate mold by using ventilating fans and cleaning the refrigerator regularly.

Our ENT physicians specialize in comprehensive allergy treatment, and they may also have some useful tips for keeping your home allergen-free.

2. IF YOU HAVE ALLERGIES, YOU’RE AT A GREATER RISK OF OTHER HEALTH CONDITIONS.

Chronic allergies can cause more than just hay fever. You may be more likely to develop:

Allergy-induced asthma
This may be caused by a wide variety of substances such as pet dander, mold spores and dust mites. These triggers vary from person to person. When you come into contact with one of these allergens, your immune system causes your airways to narrow and produce additional mucus. This causes coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. While some cases of asthma are not serious, some are life-threatening.
Fungal sinusitis
Fungus is everywhere, and for most healthy people, it’s not a problem. However, sometimes fungus can cause different types of sinusitis—and each type requires a different, precise method of treatment. Those who are immunosuppressed are at greater risk. Our ear, nose and throat physicians have extensive experience treating all types of sinusitis.

3. YOU CAN RECEIVE IMMUNOTHERAPY EVEN IF YOU HATE NEEDLES.

One common form of allergy treatment is immunotherapy, also called “allergy shots.” In this process, your body is gradually exposed to a diluted amount of the allergen. Then, the doses are increased until they reach a therapeutic level. As a result, your body develops a natural resistance, alleviating allergy symptoms.

Immunotherapy doesn’t necessarily have to involve “allergy shots.” A certain type of immunotherapy called sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) doesn’t require needles. Instead, drops of the diluted allergen are placed under the tongue daily.

There are several advantages to SLIT:

It’s more convenient and in some cases can be done at home.
It’s easier for those who have to travel frequently.
It’s less stressful for children.
No needles are required

Our ENT physicians at Raleigh Capitol Ear, Nose, Throat & Allergy can determine the source of your allergies and if you or your child is a good candidate for SLIT.

4. NEW, REVOLUTIONARY PROCEDURES ARE AVAILABLE TO HELP YOU.

Are you tired of recurring sinus infections? You may be a candidate for a balloon sinuplasty.

In this procedure, a tiny balloon is inserted into the blocked sinus cavity. The balloon is inflated for a few seconds, deflated and removed. This opens sinus passages, allowing them to drain. During the procedure, the sinuses can be irrigated as well.

The advantages of balloon sinuplasty include:

You can return to regular activities faster—generally within two to three days.
Because sinus tissue is not removed, there is less bleeding so you recover faster.
It’s less painful than other types of sinus surgery.
The procedure can be performed in our office by one of our ENT surgeons.
There’s no need for nasal packing.

Balloon sinuplasty is very effective—studies show that 95 percent of patients showed significant improvement in as little as nine months.

How to Prevent Allergies

When it comes to preventing allergies, there’s no “one size fits all” approach. Our physicians carefully examine each patient’s situation to ensure he or she receives the best possible treatment to not only stop symptoms, but to also restore quality of life. We invite you to schedule an appointment today.

Now that we’ve reviewed some facts about allergies, what to ask your doctor and a few tips on how to prevent them, we’re going to take a deeper look into the effective treatments available.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Allergy Treatment

Raleigh, NC was listed as one of the top 100 most challenging places to live if you have allergies. The list is part of an annual report compiled by the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America. The ranking takes into account factors such as pollen count and medication utilization.

Of course, this top 100 ranking will come as no surprise to Triangle residents who suffer through allergy season with sore throats and runny noses. If this sounds all too familiar, you’re not alone. More than 50 million Americans have some type of nasal allergy.

In the U.S., allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness, representing more than $18 billion in health care costs. Sometimes allergies can be treated with simple over-the-counter medicine, but this doesn’t always work. In addition, allergies can pave the way for other conditions such as chronic rhinosinusitis or allergic rhinitis.

If you are one of the thousands of Raleigh residents suffering from allergies, we’ve created this useful step-by-step treatment guide. Following are useful steps to help you as you seek treatment for chronic allergies.

Step One: Take a good look at your environment.

Did you know that hundreds of allergens could be nesting in your home, waiting for an opportunity to strike? While people blame the great outdoors or high pollen counts for their problems, often, the allergens inside the house can be equally troublesome.

Think about it: Every time you go outside to get the mail, you return with small, miniscule pieces of pollen on your shoes, which are then spread to your living room. When you take the dog for a walk, pollen gets lodged in his fur. When Fido jumps on the bed, the pollen jumps on it with him.

Also, if you haven’t washed your sheets in over a week, you may be inadvertently putting out the welcome mat for dust mites.

Even something as simple as removing dust-attracting magazine piles from your coffee table can reduce your chances of coming into contact with these allergens.

While no home can be completely allergy-proof, you can dramatically improve your situation by:

Using dust-mite proof covers on your bed
Purchasing washable curtains
Closing windows during allergy season
Taking off your shoes before walking through the house
Purchasing furniture that is easy to clean
Bathing your pet regularly
Cleaning and treating plush toys

Your child probably has a favorite stuffed animal or plush toy, and you should be aware that these can harbor dust mites and exacerbate allergy symptoms in kids. Thankfully, they can be easily treated by putting them in the freezer for 24 hours. This will kill the dust mites. To keep the dust mite population under control, we suggest doing this on a monthly basis.

Mold is another source of indoor allergies, Following are some helpful tips to help you avoid indoor mold exposure:

Limit the number of indoor plants in your home.
Repair leaky pipes.
If you find excess areas of moisture, be sure to address the problem as soon as possible.

Step Two: Schedule an appointment with an ear, nose and throat doctor near you.

Although over-the-counter allergy remedies are easily available, you should still see an ENT. Why?

Sinus problems aren’t always caused by allergies. Chronic sinus issues can be caused by infections or a structural problem. Perhaps you have a deviated septum or a nasal polyp. If so, these conditions can contribute to your misery.

Only an ENT can determine the primary cause of your allergies. At Raleigh Capitol Ear, Nose, Throat & Allergy, we’ve provided allergy treatment for Triangle patients for more than 50 years. We’ve even established a Sinus & Allergy Center to provide the highest level of service and convenience to our patients.

Step Three: Determine what allergen is causing your problem.

You may think you are allergic to one thing only to learn it is something else. Your ENT may order intradermal titration skin testing to conclusively determine the cause of your misery. During this procedure, your skin is exposed to the most common allergens and then monitored to see if an allergic reaction occurs.

Step Four: See if you are a good candidate for immunotherapy.

No one wants to be on allergy medicine 365 days of the year. Yet for those who have year-round allergies, this may seem like the only choice. Fortunately, immunotherapy offers a viable alternative.

During immunotherapy—sometimes called “allergy shots”— your body is exposed to a tiny amount of the allergen that is causing your problems. Over time, your doctor gradually increases the dosage in order to “train” your immune system to build up a tolerance.

Step Five: Discuss immunotherapy options.

As we mentioned earlier, if you don’t like needles, you may be a candidate for sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). Our ENT doctors will be glad to discuss SLIT with you and help you determine if it’s the best treatment option.

Step Six: Follow the prescribed steps.

This seems obvious, but allergy treatment won’t work if you aren’t committed to it. Typically, patients start to feel the benefits of treatment after six months, though this will vary from person to person.

While immunotherapy is very effective, it requires several visits to receive complete benefits. We always try to make this process as convenient as possible for our patients, but be aware that immunotherapy is a long-term solution, and therefore, don’t expect overnight results.

Step Seven: Follow up with your doctor.

It’s important that your ear, nose and throat physician monitors your progress. He or she will also know your medical history, which will be vital if you have any future infections or conditions.

You Don’t Have to Suffer From Seasonal Allergies

Spring and fall are some of the most gorgeous seasons in the Triangle. Don’t let allergies hamper your enjoyment of your favorite outdoor activities. Speak with one of our ear, nose and throat doctors who will be happy to help you.

Next, we’ll take a closer look at one of these solutions–Nasonex–that is available over-the-counter.

Can Nasonex Be Bought Over the Counter?

Yes. Merck, the company that manufactures Nasonex, has entered into an agreement with Perrigo Company to now make Nasonex OTC.

The agreement means Perrigo received federal regulatory approval for a non-prescription version, called Nasonex OTC Nasal Spray. This will give patients an additional choice when selecting a nasal spray to relieve allergy symptoms.

What Is the Perrigo Company?

Perrigo Company, established in 1887, is a global health care company. It’s one of the world’s largest producers of over-the-counter medicines, which it distributes throughout the U.S. and Europe.

In an earlier press release announcing the arrangement, Perrigo President and CEO Uwe Roehrhoff commented, “We are excited to enter into this agreement with Merck & Co. This announcement exemplifies inorganic opportunities to expand the OTC self-care market while enhancing long-term growth in our U.S. consumer business. Perrigo is well positioned to provide quality affordable healthcare solutions to patients and families.”

What is Nasonex OTC?

Nasonex OTC is a nasal steroid spray. These sprays treat the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. These medications help relieve allergy symptoms such as:

Sneezing
Itchy nose
Congestion
Runny nose

Who Can Take Nasonex OTC?

In general, if you are healthy and over the age of two, you should be able to take Nasonex. However, we encourage you to speak with one of our ear, nose and throat doctors before giving any over-the-counter allergy medicine to children. We realize that children are not just “little adults,” and sometimes treatment requires a specialized plan tailored to their needs.

We also urge caution if you are going to be using it on a long-term basis or if you’re pregnant or nursing. You should speak to one of our physicians who have extensive experience in treating all aspects of seasonal and chronic allergies.

Does Nasonex Have Any Side Effects?

Typically, our patients have successfully used Nasonex OTC with minimal side effects, however it is possible—as it is with any medication—for you to have side effects.

While not all of these side effects may occur, some of the most common include:

Nosebleeds
Viral infections (colds)
Headaches
Sore throat
Runny nose

Are There Other Products Similar to Nasonex?

Some other nasal steroid sprays that are available over the counter are Flonase, Veramyst, Nasacort and Rhinocort.

Which Spray Should I Use to Relieve My Symptoms?

We don’t believe there is a “one-size-fits-all” approach to allergy treatment. You should speak with our experienced ENT physicians so we can review your history and help you determine which is right for you.

Questions About Which Nasal Spray is Right for You? We Have the Answers

For more than 40 years, Raleigh Capitol Ear, Nose, Throat & Allergy physicians have served residents in the Triangle area with additional locations in Garner, Wake Forest, Cary and Holly Springs as well as several offices in Raleigh.

We understand that everyone experiences allergies differently. There is no “one size fits all” treatment, and while some receive the benefits they need from nasal spray, others may need treatment such as immunotherapy.

We invite you to see why we are the provider of choice for the Raleigh area. Scheduling an appointment is easy. Simply contact us today.

Key Takeaways:

Questions to Ask Your ENT:

Identifying the specific allergens affecting you is the first step in developing an effective treatment plan.
Common allergens include mold, pet dander, pollen, and air pollutants—many of which are present year-round.
Preventing allergy symptoms often involves reducing exposure to known triggers in your environment.
Medications can help manage symptoms, but long-term solutions like immunotherapy may be more effective.
Not all sinus issues are caused by allergies—your ENT can diagnose structural problems if needed.
Saline nasal irrigation is a simple, effective way to flush out allergens and mucus from your sinuses.
Allergy shots (immunotherapy) are a proven treatment for long-term allergy relief.
For those who dislike needles, sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) offers a needle-free alternative.
Antibiotics aren’t always necessary—especially when symptoms are caused by viruses, not bacteria.
It’s important to distinguish between allergy symptoms and cold symptoms to ensure proper treatment.
In some cases, sinus surgery may be necessary to address chronic or structural issues that medications can’t fix.

Facts About Allergies:

More than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies, which can lead to serious disruptions in daily life and contribute to chronic illnesses.
Your home may be a major source of allergens, including pet dander, dust mites, mold, and pollen tracked indoors.
Chronic allergies can increase your risk for other conditions, such as allergy-induced asthma and fungal sinus infections.
Immunotherapy can help train your immune system to tolerate allergens, and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) offers a needle-free option.
Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that can relieve chronic sinus issues with faster recovery and high success rates.
Preventing allergy symptoms starts with understanding your unique triggers, and working with an ENT can help you create a personalized treatment plan.

Allergy Treatment:

Allergies are a major issue in Raleigh, NC, ranked among the top 100 most challenging places to live with allergies due to high pollen counts and medication use.
More than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies, making them the 6th leading cause of chronic illness in the U.S., with $18 billion in associated health care costs.
Step 1: Assess your home environment. Common allergens like pollen, pet dander, mold, and dust mites often originate indoors. Small adjustments—like using dust-mite-proof covers, washing bedding regularly, and reducing moisture—can make a big difference.
Step 2: See an ENT specialist. Over-the-counter treatments may not work if your issues are caused by underlying conditions like a deviated septum or nasal polyps.
Step 3: Get allergy testing. Accurate diagnosis through skin testing helps pinpoint which allergens are causing your symptoms.
Step 4: Consider immunotherapy. Allergy shots can help your body build a tolerance to allergens over time, reducing the need for daily medication.
Step 5: Explore non-injection options. Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) offers a needle-free alternative for certain patients and can often be done at home.
Step 6: Commit to the treatment plan. Relief often takes several months and consistent follow-through is essential for lasting results.
Step 7: Stay in touch with your doctor. Regular follow-up helps your ENT monitor progress and adapt your treatment as needed.
You don’t have to suffer through seasonal allergies. Effective treatment and expert care can help you enjoy life in the Triangle without constant sneezing and congestion.

Nasonex:

Nasonex is now available over the counter as Nasonex OTC Nasal Spray.
Perrigo Company manufactures the OTC version after an agreement with Merck.
Nasonex OTC treats allergy symptoms like sneezing, congestion, and runny nose.
It is generally safe for adults and children over age two.
Always consult a doctor before long-term use or use during pregnancy.
Possible side effects include nosebleeds, sore throat, and headaches.
Other OTC steroid sprays include Flonase, Nasacort, Veramyst, and Rhinocort.
The best spray for you depends on your individual allergy history.
ENT specialists at Raleigh Capitol Ear, Nose, Throat & Allergy can help determine the right treatment.

The content within this article and others on this website is only for educational purposes and should not be considered medical advice. For any questions or concerns, please consult with your healthcare provider.

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Sources:

Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America, “Allergy Capitals,” https://aafa.org/asthma-allergy-research/allergy-capitals/

American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. “Allergies and Hay Fever.” http://www.entnet.org/content/allergies-and-hay-fever

American Academy of Otolaryngology – AAO-HNSF Updated Clinical Practice Guideline: Adult Sinusitis.

American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, “Fungal Sinusitis,” http://www.entnet.org/content/fungal-sinusitis

Centers for Disease Control, “FastStats: Allergies,” https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/allergies.htm

Mayo Clinic, “Allergy Proof Your Home,” http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/allergies/in-depth/allergy/art-20049365

Mayo Clinic, “Asthma: Causes,” http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/basics/causes/con-20026992

Mayo Clinic. “Cold or Allergy: Which is it?” http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/expert-answers/common-cold/FAQ-20057857

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