Chronic Allergies; What You Need To Know

Ever felt like chronic allergies were controlling your life? If you’ve ever dealt with a constant runny nose, non-stop sneezing, or those annoying teary eyes, you know the drill. But what many don’t realize is that chronic allergies affect more than just your nasal passages—they can drastically impact your breathing as well.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• The hidden impact of allergies on your breathing
• How allergies contribute to pediatric sleep apnea
• The broader effects of chronic allergies on health and productivity
• Effective treatment options for managing chronic allergies
• Innovative allergy treatments, including the Vivos system

By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of how to manage your allergies and improve your overall quality of life.

The Hidden Impact of Allergies on Your Breathing

Allergies often lead to nasal congestion, forcing you to breathe through your mouth. This can be a symptom of sleep apnea and can trigger several issues:

• Dry Mouth: Saliva dries out due to mouth breathing, boosting the growth of odor-causing bacteria that lead to bad breath.
• Dental Cavities: The shift in your mouth’s pH increases your susceptibility to cavities.
• Palate Changes: A low-resting tongue alters the shape of your palate, causing dental crowding and misalignment.
• Facial Strain: The effort to keep your mouth closed strains your facial muscles, potentially altering your appearance over time with features like elongated faces, dark under-eye circles, and a sagging chin.
• Swallowing Issues: Improper tongue positioning affects your swallowing pattern, which can deform your teeth alignment and jaw position.
• Respiratory Strain: Reduced oxygen intake due to inefficient breathing puts long-term strain on your respiratory system.

These effects show that allergies do more than just irritate your sinuses—they gradually transform the structure of your mouth and airways.

Concerned Your Allergies Could Be an Airway Problem?

Allergies and Pediatric Sleep Apnea: A Developmental Threat

Chronic allergies, an often overlooked symptom of pediatric sleep apnea, can significantly hinder children’s physical and mental development. Approximately 1 to 5% of children suffer from this condition, where their breathing stops intermittently during sleep due to blocked airways.

Mouth breathing from nasal congestion can lead to the development of narrow, restrictive jaw shapes, making breathing difficult at night and resulting in disrupted sleep.

Children facing these challenges may experience:

• Increased hyperactivity and behavioral issues (ADHD)
• Stunted growth
• Concentration and learning difficulties
• Enuresis (bedwetting)
• Persistent dark circles under the eyes
• Snoring

Addressing allergies early can prevent future sleep and breathing problems, enhancing both sleep quality and overall health in children and adults.

Impact of Chronic Allergies on Kids

Chronic allergies significantly affect children’s lives in various ways:

• Health Complications: Persistent symptoms like nasal congestion and throat irritation disrupt sleep, lower immunity, and can trigger asthma attacks.
• Academic Challenges: Allergies can cause cognitive impairment, known as ‘brain fog,’ making it difficult for children to concentrate in school, affecting their academic performance and attendance.
• Social and Emotional Effects: Allergic symptoms can lead to social isolation and embarrassment, impacting children’s interactions and lowering their self-esteem.
• Behavioral Issues: Discomfort and disrupted sleep can result in irritability, mood swings, and perceived behavioral problems.
• Benefits of Treatment: Proactively managing allergies improves health, enhances school performance, and boosts social confidence, helping children lead a more normal and productive life.

Chronic Allergies and Their Toll on Adults

For adults in the workforce, allergies do more than just physical harm—they diminish mental focus and alertness. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America notes that:

• 60% of adults report a decline in job performance due to allergies.
• Many feel lethargic, distracted, and irritable during allergy seasons.
• 20% have taken sick leave due to severe allergy symptoms.

These issues translate into significant losses for businesses in terms of reduced productivity and increased absenteeism. Addressing the underlying causes of allergies can help regain clarity and efficiency at work.

 

Treatment Options for Chronic Allergies

Finding relief from chronic allergies requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses symptoms and underlying causes. Here are some effective treatments to consider:

• Antihistamines: These medications reduce or block histamines, which are chemicals your body releases during an allergic reaction. They help alleviate symptoms like sneezing, itching, and runny nose.
• Nasal Corticosteroids: These sprays reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, relieving congestion, sneezing, and runny nose.
• Decongestants: Available as pills, liquids, or nasal sprays, decongestants help shrink swollen nasal tissues, making it easier to breathe.
• Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy): This long-term treatment involves regular injections of allergens to build up your immunity and reduce your sensitivity over time.
• Saline Nasal Irrigation: Rinsing your nasal passages with a saline solution can help clear out allergens and reduce nasal congestion.
• Avoiding Triggers: Identifying and avoiding allergens like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander can significantly reduce symptoms. Using air purifiers and maintaining a clean environment also helps.
• Vivos System: This innovative treatment targets the underlying root cause of chronic allergies by addressing underdeveloped airways. The Vivos appliance expands the jaw and nasal passages, improving airflow and reducing allergy symptoms. It provides a non-invasive, long-term solution that enhances overall breathing and health.

By combining these treatments, you can manage your chronic allergies more effectively and improve your overall quality of life. Dr. Eugene Azuma at Azuma Dental in Honolulu, HI, is here to help you find the best treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Innovative Allergy Treatment With Vivos

Allergy relief is advancing beyond traditional methods, and one of the most promising approaches comes from the Vivos treatment, a pioneer in holistic treatment solutions. Their innovative system targets one of the underlying causes of chronic nasal allergies and sleep-related breathing disorders—underdeveloped airways. Here’s how Vivos is changing the landscape of allergy relief:

• Holistic Approach: Integrates dental and medical expertise to address structural issues affecting airways.
• Non-Invasive Technology: Uses biologically-based devices to expand the jaw and nasal passages, improving airflow.
• Customized Treatment Plans: Tailors treatments to each individual’s needs and specific allergy challenges.
• Long-Term Relief: Aims for long-lasting solutions by correcting anatomical causes of allergies.
• Benefits for All Ages: Effective for both children and adults, preventing and alleviating allergy symptoms and related breathing disorders.

Vivos is revolutionizing allergy treatment by addressing the underlying root cause and offering a sustainable solution to allergy sufferers.

Breathing Easy Today

Millions are plagued by chronic allergies and sleep disorders, battling incessant congestion, relentless runny noses, and debilitating brain fog. It’s hard to enjoy life or stay sharp when every breath is a battle. We’ve been there, but there’s a light at the end of the tunnel—you don’t have to live this way forever.

Dr. Eugene Azuma understands the crucial link between your dental structure and breathing issues.

Here’s our strategy:

• We Listen: We focus on your dental concerns and goals.
• Thorough Evaluation: Dr. Azuma assesses your needs and outlines options clearly, without pressure.
• Personalized Plan: We create a tailored treatment plan, explaining costs and insurance benefits. Our finance expert can discuss flexible payment options.
• Comfort-Focused Care: With Dr. Azuma’s expertise and advanced technology, we ensure comfort and satisfaction for treatments.

This might sound unconventional, but our methods are transformative and truly make a difference. We invite you to visit our website and take advantage of our complimentary consultation.

Schedule your free initial consultation with Dr. Eugene Azuma.

Concerned Your Allergies Could Be an Airway Problem?

Questions and Answers

Why are my allergies so bad in Hawaii?

Hawaii’s climate, with its year-round warm temperatures and high humidity, fosters high pollen counts and mold growth. These factors contribute to more severe allergy symptoms.

When is allergy season in Hawaii?

Allergy season in Hawaii typically peaks in the spring (March to June) and fall (September to November). This happens when pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds is most prevalent.

What is triggering my allergies?

Common allergens include pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, mold spores, dust mites, and pet dander. Identifying your specific triggers can help manage symptoms.

Why are people’s allergies getting worse?

Allergies are worsening due to factors like climate change, which increases pollen production, and higher pollution levels, which can aggravate respiratory systems.

What is the relationship between allergies and sleep apnea?

Allergies can cause nasal congestion, leading to mouth breathing, which can contribute to or worsen sleep apnea. Addressing allergies can help improve sleep quality and reduce sleep apnea symptoms.