The Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery is proud to announce that The Nose & Sinus Center of MUSC has been designated as a “National Center of Excellence.” MUSC is one of only two medical centers in the country to receive such an honor. This recognition has led to a commitment by BrainLAB Inc., an international computerized image-guidance company, and several other leading equipment manufacturers to donate more than $1.2 million in sinus instrumentation to MUSC. This equipment is being used in our Sinus Laboratory to teach surgeons from around the country how to perform surgery with the latest cutting edge technology and instrumentation. MUSC patients benefit because they are treated with the latest equipment and software, often before it is available to other hospitals and health centers. The Specialist - Ear, Nose & Throat
An Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Allergist is a specialist who can diagnose and treat allergies that affect the ear, nose, throat and sinuses. The overall specialty of ear, nose and throat is called Otolaryngology, and the subspecialty of allergy in Otolaryngology often is referred to as Otolaryngic Allergy. An Otolaryngic Allergist has received special training in diagnosing and treating allergic diseases of the upper respiratory tract including the ear, nose, throat and sinuses. Because an Otolaryngic Allergist also is an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist, they are best suited to manage all aspects of an allergy patient's care, including surgery, when necessary. Examples of surgical problems often seen in allergy patients include deviated nasal septum, nasal polyps and chronic sinusitis.  Find out about Ear, Nose and Throat subspecialties
Introduction to Allergy
If you suffer from allergies, you are not alone. Approximately 15 to 20 percent of people suffer from allergies, making it one of the more common chronic illnesses. Billions of health care dollars are spent each year diagnosing and treating them. Allergy is a condition, oftentimes inherited, which causes a person's immune system to overreact to an often harmless substance in the environment. Common allergy triggers include: - Animal dander (especially cat dander)
- Dust mites
- Tree pollen
- Grass pollen
- Weeds
- Molds
These triggers cause a complex series of chemical reactions in body leading to the common symptoms of allergy: - Itchy eyes
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Sneezing
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