Airborne Allergies Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic Rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, means that the nasal lining is "sensitive" and reacts to substances called allergens (such as pollen, mold spores, cat and dog dander and dust mites). These substances do not cause symptoms in non-allergic patients.  

This condition causes daily and occasional symptoms that are debilitating and therefore affect quality of life.  Symptoms can include sneezing, itchy nose and throat, clear runny nose, thick postnasal drainage, headaches, stuffy nose, sinus pressure, frequent sore throat, chronic cough, hoarseness, constant throat clearing, ear pain or pressure, snoring and decreased sense of smell. Patients with allergies can also feel tired, feverish and achy. Uncontrolled allergies in children have been linked with poor school performance and lower test scores. Children with attention deficit disorder should be evaluated for allergies if they have chronic nasal symptoms.

Plants Commonly Causing Hay Fever

Symptoms

  • Coughing
  • Headache
  • Itching Nose, Mouth, Eyes, Throat, Skin, Or Any Area
  • Runny Nose
  • Problems With Smell
  • Sneezing
  • Stuffy Nose (Nasal Congestion)
  • Tearing Eyes
  • Sore Throat
  • Wheezing

Allergy Vaccines

One of the most effective treatment options for patients with allergies are vaccinations, commonly referred to as allergy shots. Consisting of small doses of the substances you are allergic to, the shots are a series of relatively painless injections that "down regulate" the immune system to lessen your reaction to allergens.  Allergy shots are the only treatment that offers a potential cure for allergies.

“In the past, Jake constantly had a runny nose and frequent sinus infections. He was always tired, and although he gave it his best effort to keep up with his siblings, he did have a lot of trouble doing that especially while playing outside. Since he has started taking allergy shots, his runny nose is far more manageable, he does not appear to be in an allergy "fog," and he was able to complete his first 5k running race with the family this spring. He is happier, healthier, and is experiencing a "normal" childhood full of outdoor activities!" Expand Testimonial

"My son has been a patient of Dr. Hutto for over a year now, and the changes I have seen in his health are absolutely fabulous! He suffers from allergies and eczema, and Dr. Hutto has helped my son become a normal, active child. His eczema was so severe, he was constantly itching and often embarrassed by his skin condition (and he is young). Dr. Hutto provided some simple and practical changes that we implemented in our home and his eczema is practically gone. We were able to control his eczema by eliminating fabric softener and using more natural cleaning solutions in out home as well as using a product line called Vanicream that she stocks in her office. With these simple changes, I saw results immediately and I feel our entire family has benefited from these changes as well.

In the past, Jake constantly had a runny nose and frequent sinus infections. He was always tired, and although he gave it his best effort to keep up with his siblings, he did have a lot of trouble doing that especially while playing outside. Since he has started taking allergy shots, his runny nose is far more manageable, he does not appear to be in an allergy "fog," and he was able to complete his first 5k running race with the family this spring. He is happier, healthier, and is experiencing a "normal" childhood full of outdoor activities! I am so very thankful for all the help Dr. Hutto has provided to us, and I feel she has helped give Jake a healthier childhood."

- Missy C.

“For years, I suffered with habitual allergy issues that would manifest into sinus infections at least once every other month. The sinus issues always left me feeling lethargic with low-energy and just feeling altogether miserable. Then about 20 years ago I went to see Dr. Lisa Hutto. After a thorough allergy testing, she prescribed an allergy shot treatment that has drastically improved my quality of life." Expand Testimonial

"For years, I suffered with habitual allergy issues that would manifest into sinus infections at least once every other month. The sinus issues always left me feeling lethargic with low-energy and just feeling altogether miserable. Then about 20 years ago I went to see Dr. Lisa Hutto. After a thorough allergy testing, she prescribed an allergy shot treatment that has drastically improved my quality of life. Dr. Hutto also prescribed an antibiotic nasal spray that treated my condition at the point of infection, allowing me to bypass having antibiotics go through my entire body. Other doctors treat you like a number, but Dr. Hutto knows me as a person and always treats me with respect and empathy while doing everything possible to make sure I feel better. "

- Mike G.

“Every Thanksgiving, my family goes quail hunting on horseback. It was always one of my favorite things to do but, as an allergy sufferer, a family tradition was becoming harder and harder to endure." Expand Testimonial

“Every Thanksgiving, my family goes quail hunting on horseback. It was always one of my favorite things to do but, as an allergy sufferer, a family tradition was becoming harder and harder to endure. Not only did I have to deal with the dander from horses and dogs, but also with weeds and grass and other falling leaves. It turned into allergic overload! But while visiting my general practitioner, he asked me if I had ever been tested for allergies. I knew I was affected by seasonal allergies but I never knew how bad I had it until I met Dr. Hutto. After getting thorough skin tests at her office, I found out I was allergic to almost everything. Now that I am on allergy shots, my allergies are totally under control and I can’t wait for this year’s quail hunt! "

- Michael E.


Dr. Hutto has more than twenty years experience detecting and treating the wide range of allergic conditions that affect people. Broadly speaking,
these fall into three categories: