NW LA 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. Matt Hershcovitch of SoCal Breathe Free said there are a few different options available for efficient allergy treatment.

"So many times the inflammation is caused by chronic sinusitis and allergies. We offer allergy treatment and testing in our office, as well as treatment for your chronic sinus issues," Dr. Hershcovitch told the NW LA Times. "Many times, we will offer nasal steroid irrigation decongestants. As for the ones that just simply will not open, we will actually balloon dilate them to relieve the pressure, and we found very, very good long-term results with this procedure."

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.

According to SoCal Breathe Free's website, Dr. Hershcovitch earned his undergraduate degree at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in nuclear engineering. He then attended the State University of New York for his medical education. He completed his residency training in head and neck surgery at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center and concluded his training with a fellowship in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery at Stanford University.