West DFW News

• 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. Monty Trimble of Dallas Breathe Free said that there are innovative treatments for allergies if this might be something you're struggling with.

"We offer allergy treatment and allergy testing for people that do have significant allergic rhinitis," Dr. Trimble told West DFW News. "You can permanently alter someone's immune system over time with immunotherapy, so allergy shots or drops can provide permanent improvements for patients. Also, when you intervene in their nose with balloon sinuplasty, or maybe you're doing some terminal reduction, you can also offer permanent changes to the way those sinuses drain and the way the patient breathes. I think that's exciting to be able to offer this level of treatment with decreased recoveries in an office setting that just makes it more convenient for that patient."

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 Dallas Breathe Free's website, Dr. Trimble holds board certification in otolaryngology. He earned his bachelor's degree in biochemistry from Texas A&M University and his medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. His residency training in otolaryngology (head and neck surgery) was completed at the University of Missouri Hospital and Clinics.