For Patients
Our specialists thrive on learning the latest information and treatment techniques for ear, nose and throat related symptoms and illnesses. This way, we can provide you with state-of-the-art care and get you back to health faster. Occaissionally we come across articles we'd like to share with you, are quoted in the media or write articles. That information will be showcased here so you can learn more about topics that interest you.



 Antibiotics and Ear Infections
Contrary to popular belief, more and more evidence proves that the routine use of antibiotics for ear infections provides little if any benefit. In fact, in 2006 the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Academy of Otolaryngology all support treating the fever and pain associated with routine ear infections with anti-inflammatories (motrin) and withholding antibiotics. These symptoms usually resolve within a short time. Antibiotics have no result on any long-term results of middle ear infections. Reducing the use of antibiotics is expected to reduce the continued increase of antibiotic resistant bacteria. It is also is well established that antibiotics have no effect on fluid behind the eardrum and hearing loss. Ear tubes remain very effective in breaking a cycle of recurrent ear infections as well as a rapid solution for hearing loss from middle ear fluid when indicated. 

 
Sublingual Immunotherapy (Allergy Drops)
Patient Information

While the symptoms of allergic rhinitis may be reduced by avoiding the triggering allergen and/or anti allergy medication(s), the only known cure of allergic rhinitis is immunotherapy. Allergy shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy or SCIT) have proven to be effective and remain standard treatment at our practice and throughout the country.

An alternate method of immunotherapy (sublingual immunotherapy or SLIT) works by placing allergy drops under the tongue once a day. Multiple studies have proven this method to be effective with results similar to standard injections. In fact, SLIT is now more common in Europe than injections.

Both methods are based on the same principle: controlled exposure to extracts over time changes the immune response, effectively creating blocking antibodies and reducing or eliminating allergic symptoms.

Northwest ENT is now offering sublingual immunotherapy as an alternative treatment for those patients whom immunotherapy is recommended but are unable to tolerate or complete a regular injection schedule.

Allergy drops are taken on a daily basis, placed under the tongue and absorbed. The dosage is increased over a 3-month period to reach full strength. Most patients will begin to experience significant reduction in symptoms within one year although three years of treatment is recommended to obtain maximal benefit. Side effects are unusual and mild, usually irritation under the tongue that requires no treatment. No serious side effect such as anaphylaxis has been reported. An office visit every 3-6 months during treatment is recommended.

Although studies are currently being done through our office and other centers in the country, SLIT is not yet an FDA approved treatment method. Insurance will cover office visits and allergy testing but will not cover the cost of the allergy drops. Our supplier, ALK-Abello, has extensive experience as a worldwide producer of both injectable and sublingual extracts. We are now able to provide customized allergy drops based on patient specific testing at a cost of $10 - $20 per week.

Please contact our office at 770-427-0368 for any additional information or to schedule an appointment with one of our physicians.

 

 

Media
Our ENT speciailists are available for media interviews. Please contact Dr. Drew Locandro at 770-427-0368 for more information about our practice, or to schedule an interview.