Grand Canyon Times

• There are numerous allergies that can originate from indoor sources.
• Indoor allergens such as mold, dust, and pet dander can be common issues for allergy sufferers.
• An ENT specialist can provide treatment for individuals who may not be aware that they are struggling with allergies in their living space.

Year-round, indoor allergies can pose challenges, particularly in the winter, when you spend more time indoors. Dr. Brian Lee of Scottsdale Sinus and Allergy Center said many of their patients suffer from allergies, and they aim to provide them with long-lasting treatment.

"I would say that the vast majority of patients have some component of allergies contributing to their sinonasal issues. A lot of the times it's inflammation of the nose and that inflammation could come from allergies, or it could come from chronic or recurrent infections. It's always part of our philosophy to make sure that we test our patients for allergies to make sure that we're not overlooking a contributing factor to make sure not only do we get them better, but we keep them feeling better."

Allergies stemming from indoor sources are activated by common allergens present in homes or other indoor settings, according to Very Well Health. Mold, dust mites, pet dander, and even cockroaches are among the typical culprits. Managing indoor allergies might prove more challenging than avoiding outdoor allergens, and their impact can be equally debilitating to patients.

To identify indoor allergies, WebMD suggests to keep track of when, where, and what you're doing when your symptoms worsen. Consider whether you were exposed to potential allergens. For instance, did your symptoms escalate following a basement flood, potentially leading to mold growth? Conversely, did your symptoms improve while you were on vacation? Providing this information to your doctor could assist in identifying your allergy triggers.

To diagnose allergies, doctors will review the patient's symptoms and medical history and then recommend either a blood test or a skin test, according to Web MD. For a skin test, the doctor will place a small amount of the allergen on the patient's skin, typically on the forearm or back. If the patient is allergic to that particular allergen, a small, itchy bump will appear.

Dr. Lee attended medical school at Loma Linda University School of Medicine, where he graduated as a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society, according to Scottsdale Sinus and Allergy's website. He then completed his internship and residency in otolaryngology (head and neck surgery) at the University of Southern California. Lee was voted one of the Valley's "Top Doctors" by Phoenix Magazine in both 2015 and 2016.