Allergy & Asthma
Relief for sneezing, congestion, breathing trouble, and allergic reactions.
We’re Here to Help
Whether you’re dealing with constant congestion, itchy skin, or shortness of breath, allergy and asthma symptoms can affect every part of your day. For some, triggers like pollen or pet dander are obvious — for others, they’re harder to pinpoint.
At Grand Rapids Ear, Nose & Throat, we offer expert care for allergies, asthma, and related skin conditions. From testing and daily management to long-term solutions like immunotherapy, we’ll help you take control of your symptoms and breathe easier.
Conditions We Treat
Allergies and asthma can cause a wide range of symptoms that affect your breathing, comfort, and daily routine. Some of the most common conditions we evaluate and manage include:
- Seasonal and environmental allergies — reactions to pollen, mold, pet dander, and dust mites
- Food allergies — reactions that may cause hives, swelling, digestive issues, or anaphylaxis
- Drug allergies — immune responses to medications such as penicillin or antibiotics
- Eczema and skin allergies — including rashes, itching, and chronic irritation triggered by foods or environmental allergens
- Asthma and respiratory allergies — wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath related to allergens or irritants
- Chronic nasal or sinus symptoms — including post-nasal drip, congestion, and sneezing from allergic rhinitis and/or allergic sinusitis
We also evaluate and treat other allergy-related conditions. If you’re unsure what’s causing your symptoms, we’re here to help.
How We Diagnose
Our allergy evaluation process begins with a detailed symptom review and may include:
- Allergy testing to identify specific environmental, food, or medication triggers
- Skin prick testing to detect immediate allergic reactions
- Blood testing (IgE) for broader or more complex allergy screening
- Pulmonary function testing to evaluate asthma or breathing issues
- Nasal endoscopy to assess inflammation or swelling related to chronic allergies
Treatment Options
Your treatment plan will depend on your symptoms and triggers. Common approaches include:
- Allergy medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, or corticosteroid sprays
- Allergy immunotherapy (allergy shots or drops) to reduce sensitivity to long-term triggers
- Avoidance strategies for food and drug allergies, with emergency plans as needed
- Asthma management with inhalers, controller medications, monitoring tools, or biologic therapies such as Xolair, Dupixent, Nucala, Fasenra, or Tezspire.
- Skin care plans for eczema and other allergic skin reactions
- Lifestyle guidance and environmental control recommendations to reduce daily exposure
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have frequent or severe symptoms that aren’t controlled by over-the-counter options, a specialist can help identify your triggers and create a long-term plan.
Colds usually last a few days and may cause fever. Allergies often linger for weeks or months, especially with seasonal exposure, and typically include itching and sneezing without a fever.
An allergy involves the immune system and can cause serious symptoms like hives, swelling, or anaphylaxis. An intolerance does not trigger the immune system — it may cause discomfort, like digestive upset, but it’s not life-threatening. We can help determine which one you’re experiencing through testing and a careful review of your symptoms.
In addition to medications, we offer allergy immunotherapy to reduce your body’s reaction to allergens over time — and provide environmental and lifestyle guidance to help reduce flare-ups.
Not always — but many people with asthma also have allergic triggers. Identifying and managing those triggers can significantly improve control.
You Deserve to Feel Better
If allergies or asthma are wearing you down, Grand Rapids Ear, Nose & Throat is here to help. Schedule an appointment today and take the first step toward breathing easier and living more comfortably.