South Bay Leader

• 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. Farhad Sigari of Del Rey MD said seeking treatment from a specialist for allergies can be effective.

"We can reduce your nasal reaction to allergens," Dr. Sigari told South Bay Leader. "You’d still have allergies, but without the severe symptoms you've grown accustomed to. As a result, some patients who were previously considering moving out of their homes due to environmental factors, such as heavy allergen exposure, have found relief and decided to stay."

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.

According to Del Rey MD's website, Dr. Sigari obtained his bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering from the University of California, San Diego, where he conducted research on heart disease. He attended Chicago Medical School, earning degrees in medicine, applied physiology, and pathology. He then completed his surgical internship training, specializing in otolaryngology and head and neck surgery, at the University of Chicago Hospital.