title: Otolaryngic allergy.
abstract: The treatment of chronic sinusitis and nasal polyposis requires an interface between allergy and otolaryngology. The tendency of allergy to produce chronic symptoms from repeated exposure to inhalant or food antigens plays a role in both the production and chronicity of sinus disease. Mild, seasonal, or easily avoidable allergens may be well treated by proper selection of antihistamines, cromolyn sodium, topical steroids, or the judicious use of systemic steroids, as well as environmental control. More severe or perennial symptoms require identification by in vivo or in vitro testing techniques, with desensitization for offending inhalant allergens and dietary restrictions or injection therapy for food antigens. The otolaryngologist dealing with sinus disease is in a unique position to offer optimal patient care by combining surgical skills with specific medical treatment of allergy.
authors.affiliation: University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Derebery
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004205:Cromolyn Sodium / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D014663:Nasal Decongestants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010038:Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists; D014663:Nasal Decongestants; D004205:Cromolyn Sodium