Say Goodbye to Sneezing Fits and Runny Nose: Allergic Rhinitis Test and Treatment
Endless sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, and a life that turns spring into a nightmare… Don't let allergies control your life. With our modern allergy tests, we accurately identify your enemy (allergen) and apply personalized treatment protocols that not only suppress your symptoms but also permanently improve your quality of life.
What is Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)?
Allergic rhinitis is a condition where our immune system overreacts to harmless substances (pollen, dust mites, cat/dog dander, mold) causing inflammation (edema) in the nasal mucosa. This leads to excessive swelling of the nasal turbinates (conchae), airway obstruction, and severe postnasal drip. If left untreated, it can develop into chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, and asthma. At our clinic, we use comprehensive allergy testing (skin prick tests or specific blood tests) to pinpoint exactly what your body is reacting to, allowing us to initiate targeted, scientifically sound treatment rather than simply guessing in the dark.
- Those experiencing successive, severe sneezing fits and clear, watery nasal discharge
- Those who experience constant itching in their nose, palate, eyes, and ears.
- Those whose noses become completely blocked, especially when they wake up in the morning or when they are exposed to dust.
- Those who develop dark circles under their eyes and a tired facial expression (allergic salute)
- Those who experience these complaints during certain months of the year (seasonal) or throughout the year (perennial)
Success in allergy treatment starts with correctly identifying the enemy.
Most allergy patients who come to my clinic have spent years trying to temporarily suppress their symptoms using only antihistamine medications, without ever investigating the root cause. At Dr. Nurten Küçük, my fundamental philosophy in allergy treatment is to get to the root cause. After creating your allergen map through skin or blood tests, we use preventative measures, proper medical treatment planning, and, if necessary, long-term immunotherapy (vaccines/immunotherapy) treatments to transform allergies from an obstacle into a manageable condition.
Painless Skin (Prick) Test
This is one of the most reliable and fastest methods for allergen detection. Allergen solutions are dripped onto the inside of the arm and then gently applied to the skin using a very fine needle. The procedure is completely painless, and results are visible within 15-20 minutes.
Personalized Treatment Protocol
Based on the test results, a treatment plan best suited to the patient's lifestyle is developed. Often, new generation nasal sprays (local corticosteroids) and allergy pills (antihistamines) significantly reduce symptoms from the very first day.
Environmental Control and Relaxation
In addition to medication, detailed instructions are provided on how to take precautions at home and in the workplace against the identified allergen (e.g., house dust mites or pollen). Environmental control is the most lasting step in treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can allergic rhinitis completely (one hundred percent) go away?
Alerji, genetik yatkınlığı olan bir bağışıklık sistemi özelliğidir. Bu nedenle alerjiyi bir enfeksiyon (örneğin grip) gibi birkaç gün antibiyotik içerek vücuttan tamamen sıfırlamak mümkün değildir. Ancak modern ilaç tedavileri ve korunma önlemleriyle alerjik şikayetler %90-95 oranında baskılanır ve hasta tamamen normal, şikayetsiz bir yaşama kavuşur.
Is there anything I should be aware of before getting an allergy test (prick test)?
Yes, there's a very important detail. For the skin test to give accurate results, you must stop using allergy pills (antihistamines), cold medicine, and cough syrup at least 5-7 days before the test. Otherwise, the test results will be suppressed, and even if you have an allergy, the result may come back "negative".
Can I have nasal surgery (for deviated septum or nasal polyps) while I have allergies?
Absolutely, you can. In fact, in many of our patients, nasal turbinate hypertrophy (enlarged turbinates) due to allergies has become permanent and does not shrink with medication. In this case, the turbinates are first reduced in size with radiofrequency ablation, opening the airway; after the surgery, allergy medications are continued to prevent the nose from becoming blocked again (the turbinates from growing again). It is a fantastic combined treatment where the two complement each other.
What is immunotherapy (vaccine treatment) and who is it administered to?
Immunotherapy (vaccine treatment) is a process of "accustoming" the immune system to an allergen (such as house dust or pollen) by gradually exposing the body to that substance in increasing doses. It is a long-term (3-5 year) and highly successful treatment method applied to suitable patients who meet certain test criteria, if the allergy is very severe and medications are insufficient.
Take the first step towards an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment.
For an initial consultation, examination, and personalized treatment plan, please contact us immediately.