Skip to content

Welcome

Celebrating Over 80 Years Of Service!

The American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy (AAOA) represents over 2,700 Board-certified otolaryngologists and health care providers. Otolaryngology, frequently referred to as Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT), uniquely combines medical and surgical expertise to care for patients with a variety of conditions affecting the ears, nose, and throat, as well as commonly related conditions. AAOA members devote part of their practice to the diagnosis and treatment of allergic disease. The AAOA actively supports its membership through education, research, and advocacy in the care of allergic patients.

"Advance the comprehensive management of allergy and inflammatory disease in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery through training, education, and advocacy."

AAOA Member Benefits

  • Up to 60% discount for CME programs and free Annual Meeting. All AAOA’s CME programs meet ABOTOHNS Continuing Certification.
  • AAOA US ENT Affinity program, where AAOA members can gain savings on antigen, allergy supplies, and any of the other 5 service lines US ENT offers. For more email info@usentpartners.com.
  • Tools and resources to comply with US General Chapter 797 and practice management tools.
  • Advocacy support.
  • And much more! Learn More

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT CORNER

As part of our on-going member support, we are introducing a new website feature to help with common practice management challenges. We welcome your input with questions or challenges you would like to address. Read More

ADVOCACY UPDATES

Penicillin Allergy Verification and Evaluation (PAVE) Act

Penicillin Allergy Verification and Evaluation (PAVE) Act to be introduced by Rep. Bucshon. AAOA is one…

Read more

CMS Released the Annual Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule

On July 10, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Medicare Physician…

Read more

Latest on Federal Issues

This blog will feature weekly updates from our Socioeconomic Committee and Health Policy team to…

Read more

Upcoming Dates

08/02/24: Scientific Abstract Submission Deadline
Learn more

12/01/24: Research Grant Cycle
Learn more

04/01/25: Fellow Exam Application Deadline
Learn more

06/01/25: Research Grant Cycle
Learn more

EDUCATION

AAOA Annual Meeting

Register for FREE* to attend the 2024 AAOA Annual Meeting in-person, in Las Vegas, or virtually!

*The 2024 AAOA Annual Meeting is FREE to all AAOA members in good standing

RESIDENTS

For information about Resident membership, opportunities, DosedDaily, research grants, and other resources. Learn More

IFAR

Available Now

aaoaf-ifar

IFAR Impact Factor: 2.454

IFAR Featured Content: COVID-19 - Free Access
Endonasal instrumentation and aerosolization risk in the era of COVID‐19: simulation, literature review, and proposed mitigation strategies . Read More

Changes in Managing Practices

Working together with AAOA staff, volunteer leadership and members will enable us to have a positive impact on our members’ practices.

Read More

Live and Online CME

2024 AAOA Annual Meeting - Hybrid
November 8-10, 2024
Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas
Learn More and Register 

Coming Soon! New Explorers Course — Hybrid
90-days Access Feb 27 – May 27, 2025 
March 27-29, 2025 - Live
The Hythe, Vail, CO
Book Your Room

2025 AAOA Basic Course in Allergy & Immunology - Hybrid
90-days Access June 10 – Sep 15, 2025
July 10-12, 2025 - Live
The Chateaux Deer Valley, Park City, UT
Book Your Room

USP 797 Online Module
Learn More and Register

AAOA Educational Stacks
Available Now!

News and Updates

CEO Update, September 2024

“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the Fall”. F. Scott Fitzgerald…

Read more

ABOHNS Practice Analysis Job Task Analysis Survey

On September 24 the ABOHNS initiated a Practice Analysis (Job Task Analysis) Survey. All ABOHNS…

Read more
College Allergy Symptoms Treatment Back to Shcool

PRACTICE RESOURCES

AAOA Practice Resource Tool Kit

The American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy (AAOA) Practice Resource Tool Kit is intended as a guide to help AAOA members integrate allergy into their otolaryngology practice and to continually improve on this integration as new information, regulations, and resources become available.

Read More

PARTNER RESOURCE CENTER

AAOA has launched a Partner Resource Center to bring you partner resources that can assist your practice and patient care.

Visit the New Center>

PATIENT CORNER

Getting Tested for a Penicillin Allergy

Overview

Allergy to penicillin and related antibiotics is the most commonly reported drug allergy in the United States.

Approximately 85% of patients who describe themselves as “penicillin allergic” will have negative skin tests and can safely receive penicillin and related antibiotics.

However, it is critical to detect which patients are truly allergic to penicillin, as exposure to the antibiotic could cause very serious problems, including anaphylaxis.

Dr. Melissa Hertler Interviewed on Fox 6 News

Dr Melissa Hertler Penicillin Testing ImageDr. Melissa Hertler Interviewed on Fox 6 News

Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death.   It typically causes a number of symptoms including an itchy rash, throat swelling, and low blood pressure.

On a mechanistic level, anaphylaxis is caused by the release of mediators from certain types of white blood cells triggered either by immunologic or non-immunologic mechanisms. It is diagnosed on the basis of the presenting symptoms and signs.

The primary treatment is injection of epinephrine, the administration of intravenous fluids, and positioning the person flat, with other measures being complementary.

Testing for Penicillin Allergy

A doctor will use the PRE-PEN test, which is the only FDA approved skin test for the diagnosis of penicillin allergy.  Penicillin skin testing involves applying skin prick and intradermal tests with PRE- PEN, Penicillin G, and both a positive and negative control.

A doctor will examine the test sites for a reaction and if the testing is negative we will perform an oral challenge.  The entire process takes about an hour.

Potential benefits of testing

For patients that are concerned that they may be sensitive or allergic to penicillin, there are many benefits of testing with PRE-PEN.

If the patient is shown to test negative for penicillin allergy, this will eliminate any concern about using penicillin, which is an important, effective and well tolerated treatment for many infections.

Another benefit is decreased out of pocket costs for antibiotics, since many alternatives to penicillin are much more costly.

Finally, testing will help decrease the overuse of broad spectrum antibiotics which leads to increased drug- resistant bacteria.

Who should be tested for penicillin allergy?

Any patient with history of a reaction to a penicillin antibiotic or who is currently denied access to certain antibiotics out of concern for such reactions should be tested.

Patients with known ANAPHYLACTIC reaction to penicillin, in the past 5 years, should NOT be tested.

Back To Top