Allergies & Sinus Problems in Ottawa ON

People can have allergies, sensitivities or intolerances to chemicals, additives, foods, animals or their environment. Allergies in Ottawa ON can be seasonal, environmental or food related. In our clinic we provide food allergy testing. We have several panel choices that we may recommend to patients with suspected food allergies or sensitivities.

Several treatments can improve and alleviate chronic sinus problems and allergies:

• acupuncture
• laser & light therapy
• nutrition advice

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Chronic Sinus Problems in Ottawa ON

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the sinus cavities (located around the nose). What causes it? An infection (resulting from a common cold, tooth abscess, or other ailment), allergies such as hay fever, or an injury to the nose. Once someone has the sinus disorder, it may go away only to return the next time a cold hits.

A natural approach to sinusitis is to relieve the stress on the nervous system and restore the body's stress hormone response (adrenal function) so that body structure which helps your body work more efficiently. Together, these can help the sinuses drain without interference. Furthermore, our approach to sinusitis includes improving the immune system and the respiratory systems. Recent research has shown the White Blood Cells, part of the immune system, are tipped off to invaders by our nervous system.

Several treatment methods may be appropriate:

• Acupuncture treatments -- reducing histamine responses, vasodilating the sinuses and blood vessels, reducing the allergic stress response, opening airways are all possible with acupuncture.
• Trigger point therapy -- applying pressure to a "trigger point" on the body (somewhere other than the sinus area) -- can eliminate the sinus pain.
• Light-force cranial manipulation -- involving adjustments of the skull bones and surrounding fluid -- may also provide relief.

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Allergies

​No one knows why the immune system produces antibodies to certain foods, but when it does, a noticeable food reaction may result. Many people think of allergies as airborne allergens like dust, pollen and molds. However, immune reactions can result from the different types of food sensitivities you have.

The immune system exists to defend the body against bacteria, viruses and any other potentially harmful organisms. One of the ways it does this is by producing cells called immunoglobulins, also called antibodies. There are five major immunoglobulins (IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM).

The most common foods causing allergic reactions are:

• peanuts
• wheat
• soy
• shellfish
• fish
• milk
• eggs
• tree nuts

Food Allergies

Food allergies are divided into two categories: immediate and delayed. Immediate food reactions occurs within hours of ingestion. Symptom onset is rapid and may include tingling of extremities, wheezing, coughing, tightening of the throat, nausea, abdominal cramps, diarrhea and, with some allergens, anaphylaxis. These allergies are tested using IgE antibodies. Only IgE reactions are considered true food allergies. IgE reactions typically occur within minutes of exposure to, or ingestion of, food antigen. Commonly observed IgE reactions include: hives, itchy watery eyes and breathing difficulties. Testing for IgE food allergies requires a blood draw.

Symptoms of a delayed food allergy can take up to 72 hours to appear. This type of immune response is mediated by the IgG antibody.

Unidentified food sensitivities can contribute to many chronic health problems including IBS, rheumatoid arthritis, headaches, autism, ADHD, eczema, chronic ear and throat infections, malabsorption, insomnia and more.

Food Sensitivities

Food Sensitivity is a term that usually refers to delayed immune reactions to foods. For example, IgG and IgA reactions to foods are commonly referred to as food sensitivities.

The term food sensitivity is sometimes used to describe non-immune reactions to food. There is no agreed upon definition of what a food sensitivity is. IgG and IgA food reactions can be tested from a dried blood strip sample.

Food Intolerances

Usually refers to non-immune reactions like enzyme deficiencies. For example, people who lack the enzyme lactase have trouble digesting milk. This is called lactose intolerance.

Airborne Allergies

Sneezing, red itchy eyes, runny nose and itchy skin can all spell allergy. Allergies are built-in physical reactions to normal substances in our environment. When your body reacts with an allergic reaction to these allergens. The allergic response releases a chemical in your body called histamine. Histamines are present in the nose, sinuses, ears and throat. It is the histamines that produce nasal blockage, post-nasal drip, irritated runny eyes, coughing, sore throat and headaches.

You can improve your health by identifying your allergies and sensitivities to foods, inhalants, molds and other allergens.

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Need more information?

Many symptoms can be helped with preventative care like acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, physio and laser therapy. We strongly recommend anyone experiencing the symptoms discussed on this page, see one of our health professionals soon.