Williamsburg Sun

• 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 Ditto of Richmond Breathe Free said inflamed linings of the sinuses from allergens can lead to sinus infections.

"The sinuses are lined by the nasal and sinus epithelium, or lining, and that lining is reactive to allergens," Dr. Ditto told Williamsburg Sun. "Those allergens cause histamine release and other inflammatory mediators that cause swelling, and they obstruct the tiny sinus openings in which our sinuses normally drain. Sinus ostia are usually anywhere between two and three millimeters in size, but the lining around them is dynamic. So, if it's inflamed, it's going to swell, and if it swells, it can occlude the sinus ostium or passage, causing a backflow of mucus in the sinus, which then causes certain things to happen that can bring on a sinus infection."

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 Richmond Breathe Free's website, Dr. Ditto earned his medical degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine, where he gained recognition for his research contributions. He pursued specialized training in ear, nose, and throat disorders at the University of Michigan's Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery.