Welcome to the Patient Education Library of Georgetown Allergy & Sinus Center
We invite you to explore our comprehensive list of resources and educational materials designed to help educate you about your ear, nose, or throat condition or treatment. Choose a topic below to learn more.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your condition or treatment, please feel free to contact Georgetown Allergy & Sinus Center, at (512) 869-0604. To request an appointment, use our secure online appointment request form.
This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation, examination, or the medical advice of your doctor. This information should not be relied upon to determine a diagnosis or course of treatment.
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Allergies
An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system overreacts to a normally nonthreatening substance. There are many types, causes, and symptoms of allergic reactions. Different areas of the body can be affected depending on the allergic trigger. Some allergic reactions ... Read More
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Anaphylaxis & Anaphylactic Shock
Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction with rapid onset of symptoms. Anaphylaxis usually occurs in people after they are exposed to a substance they are severely allergic to such as foods, medications, and insect stings. It has been estimated that up to 15% ... Read More
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Asthma
Asthma is a lung disease. Asthma causes the breathing tubes in the lungs to temporarily narrow. People with asthma have difficulty breathing air in and out of their lungs. An allergen or irritant in the environment usually triggers an asthma flare-up. ... Read More
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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an irreversible lung condition. Diseases classified as COPD cause swelling of the large airways in the lungs, which obstructs or blocks the flow of air. Symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, ... Read More
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Chronic Sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis is a complication of sinusitis, an uncomfortable condition that occurs when the sinuses cannot drain. Although the average case of sinusitis may last for several weeks, chronic sinusitis results when it lasts for three months or longer, or ... Read More
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Contact Dermatitis
For some people, objects as common as rubber soled shoes, jewelry, or cleaning products can cause contact dermatitis, a type of skin reaction. Contact dermatitis appears as an itchy red rash on the skin. It develops when the skin touches a ... Read More
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Eczema
Eczema is a chronic hypersensitive skin reaction, similar to an allergy. Atopic dermatitis is a common form of eczema. The hallmark symptoms of eczema are intense itching and a red rash. Environmental irritants, stress, water, and temperature changes may worsen ... Read More
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Emphysema
Emphysema is a lung disease. The condition of emphysema makes it difficult to exhale air and empty the lungs when breathing. In turn, the lungs are unable to completely fill up with fresh air when inhaling. This leads to a ... Read More
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Environmental Allergy
Runny noses, itchy watery eyes, and sneezing bother many Americans with environmental allergies, especially during pollen season. While outdoor allergies from grass, weeds, and trees may be seasonal, indoor allergies from dust mites and pet dander can cause problems all ... Read More
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Eye Allergies
Eye allergies are usually more annoying than they are dangerous. Eye allergies are common. In fact, about 50% of people with general allergies experience eye allergies. In many cases, over-the-counter medications can help relieve itchy watery eyes. However, if your ... Read More
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Food Allergies
Many people have food intolerances, such as lactose intolerance with milk, but true food allergies only affect about 1% of all people. Food allergies are more common in children, and some children outgrow them. People with food allergies should avoid ... Read More
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Hives
Hives (Urticaria) are red or white itchy bumps that appear on the skin. Hives result from allergic reactions, environmental factors, and certain medical conditions. In many cases, hives resolve without medical treatment. Over-the-counter or prescription medications are the standard treatments ... Read More
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Insect Sting Allergy
Itching and swelling from insect stings annoy millions of Americans each year. For some people, stings from certain insects can cause allergic reactions. While most stinging insects do not cause an allergic reaction, honeybees, yellow jackets, hornets, wasps, and fire ... Read More
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Medication Allergy
Many people have experienced unwanted side effects of medications, but an allergic reaction to a medication is not the same thing as a side effect or adverse effect. An allergic reaction is an immune system response that can be mild ... Read More
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Nasal Polyps
Chronic conditions, such as allergies or sinus infections, can cause more than just a runny nose. Nasal polyps are small growths that form in the nasal passageways following long-term irritation. The growths are not cancerous, but they can make it ... Read More
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Pediatrics - Allergies
An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system overreacts to a normally non-threatening substance. There are many types, causes, and symptoms of allergic reactions. Different areas of the body can be affected depending on the allergic trigger. Symptoms can range ... Read More
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Pediatrics - Common Cold
Colds are a very common medical condition. There are over two hundred viruses that can cause the common cold. The viruses are easily transmitted from person to person. Coughing, sneezing, a sore throat, and a runny nose are typical cold ... Read More
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Pneumonia
Pneumonia can be a serious life-threatening illness that needs medical attention. Pneumonia results from germs that cause an infection in the lungs. Many people with pneumonia are treated with prescription medication at home, but others require more intensive treatment and a ... Read More
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Rashes
Rashes are a common skin condition that everyone experiences at one time or another. There are numerous causes of rashes, ranging from allergic reactions, infections, and medical conditions to insect stings. Some types of rashes can be treated at home ... Read More
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Sinusitis
Sinusitis is a fairly common condition. It can develop following a cold, upper respiratory infection, or allergic reaction. Environmental irritants, certain medical conditions, and structural abnormalities can contribute to sinusitis. Sinusitis causes pressure and pain in the head and face. It can ... Read More
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Skin Allergies - Contact Dermatitis
For some people, objects as common as rubber soled shoes, jewelry, or cleaning products can cause an allergic skin reaction (contact dermatitis). Symptoms include varying degrees of an itchy inflamed rash. If treatment is necessary, there are a variety of ... Read More
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Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils most common in children and adolescents. It is typically caused by a virus, although it can also be caused by a bacterial infection. Common symptoms include sore throat, difficulty swallowing and fever. Most cases ... Read More
Copyright © - iHealthSpot Interactive - www.iHealthSpot.com
This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.
The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on February 16, 2022. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.
