West Hillsborough 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. Mariah Pate of Tampa Bay Breathe Free said her local practice treats patients with a personal approach to quickly treat their sinus and allergy issues.

"When you come to Breathe Free, you're going to be treated like the only patient there," Dr. Pate told West Hillsborough News. "You're going to be able to get all of your problems diagnosed when it comes to sinus and allergies, and you'll have a quick and effective way to treat it."

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.

Dr. Pate, a certified otolaryngologist, earned a bachelor's degree magna cum laude from the University of Florida, according to Tampa Bay Breathe Free's website. She received her medical degree from Quillen College of Medicine at East Tennessee State University, graduating among the top 5% of her class. She completed her otolaryngology internship and residency at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University.