PHX Reporter

• 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. John Stewart of Arizona Breathe Free said seeking treatment from a specialist can be beneficial when dealing with allergies.

"The standard allergy test, the X-rays, the scoping, all of the procedures, and follow-ups are done here," Dr. Stewart told PHX Reporter. "Everything is. That's all we do—sinus and allergy. We have all the equipment we need. There's nothing that we can’t handle when someone gets in here."

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. Stewart attained his bachelor's degree in biology with summa cum laude honors from Grand Canyon University, according to Arizona Breathe Free's website. He earned his medical degree from the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency training in Otorhinolaryngology/Facial Plastic Surgery at the Freeman Hospital & Health System in Joplin, Missouri. After his residency, Stewart pursued additional expertise in neurotology and skull base surgery through a fellowship, collaborating with Dr. Michael Paparella and Dr. Hamed Sajjadi.