NE Valley 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. Franklyn Gergits of the Sinus and Allergy Wellness Center said treating your sinuses can reduce allergy problems as well.

"Allergies are a co-factor for nasal or sinus inflammation. Oftentimes, patients come into the office and say that they've got facial pressure and/or facial pain, and they will have facial inflammation or sinus inflammation, but they might also have allergies as well," Dr. Gergits told the NE Valley Times. "If we can reduce allergy problems, then we might be able to slowly reduce sinus troubles."

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 for patients.

To identify indoor allergies, WebMD suggests keeping 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. Gergits received his Bachelor of Arts degree in chemistry from West Virginia University, followed by a Master of Science in biochemistry from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, according to the Sinus and Allergy Wellness Center's website. He then earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.