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

ADVOCACY UPDATES

CMS Updates Conversion Factor for Physician Services

In early March, Congress adopted legislation that updated the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) conversion factor for…

Read more

CMS to Provide Advanced Payments to Those Affected by the Change Healthcare Cyberattack

On Saturday, March 9, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a statement…

Read more

Policy Update: State of the Union Address, Budget Updates

President Biden’s State of the Union Address State of the Union Transcript State of the Union Video…

Read more

Upcoming Dates

04/01/24: Fellow Exam Application Deadline
Learn more

06/01/24: Research Grant Cycle
Learn more

06/25/24: Membership Application Deadline to be eligible for AAOA Member rate for the 2024 Basic Course

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

12/01/24: Research Grant Cycle
Learn more

EDUCATION

AAOA Advanced Course

The recorded course content is available until April 30, 2024. This year’s Advanced Course featured Laryngology and Skull Base Surgery with Nausheen Jamal, MD and Garret Choby, MD as featured faculty.

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 Advanced Course in Allergy & Immunology - Hybrid
On-Demand Content Access Deadline:
April 30, 2024
Learn More and Register

2024 AAOA Basic Course in Allergy & Immunology - Hybrid
July 25-27, 2024
The Diplomat, Hollywood, Florida
Learn More and Register

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

USP 797 Online Module
Learn More and Register

AAOA Educational Stacks
Next Availability - April 1, 2024

News and Updates

CEO Update, March 2024

March is such an optimistic month. (Although some may wonder this year with the extension of…

Read more

Member Perspective on AAOA Value

by Dole Baker, MD, FAAOA Having been a long-time member of the AAOA, recent upgrades…

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

What over-the-counter allergy treatment should I try?

You have allergy symptoms, and want to find something to treat your symptoms without having to go to a doctor. The allergy aisle in the pharmacy or big box store is overwhelming. What do all these drugs do?

Let’s break it down.

Antihistamines
These medications block the histamine chemical that is released in the body as a result of allergic reaction. Histamine is what causes itching, runny nose, watery eyes and sneezing. These include the older Benadryl, which is a great medication, however, can be quite sedating. The newer medications, such as Claritin, Zyrtec and Allegra, are also effective with little to no sedation for most people.

Nasal steroid sprays
These have now been released over-the-counter in the forms of Flonase, Flonase sensimist, Nasacort, with others to come soon. They are steroids, which is a potent anti-inflammatory. These medications are very effective at reducing congestion, runny nose and often postnasal drip. They can even help itchy watery eyes. Their worst side effect is drying out the nose, or inciting nosebleeds, which can be reduced by also using nasal saline. If you have early cataracts, or a strong family history of cataracts, you may want to ask your eye doctor about using these long term, as they may increase your risk of developing or worsening cataracts. Also, routine, typically yearly, examination of the inside of the nose is recommended while using these sprays to ensure there are not complications developing.

Decongestants
Pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine are the common OTC decongestant pills. These drugs primary target is congestion, which is reduced by shrinking the swollen tissue in the nose. These medications can cause increases in blood pressure, especially in someone with high blood pressure prior to their use. They also have the potential for tolerance, meaning, if you use them all the time, they become less effective. Phenylephrine and oxymetazoline are topical decongestant nasal sprays which are very effective at reducing congestion in the nose, however, they can cause significant rebound congestion – or much worse stuffy nose – if they are used consistently for more than 3 days in a row. These sprays are best reserved for severe congestion and only for 2-3 days in a row or less.

Guaifenesin or Mucinex
This pill is a mucus thinning medication. It does not treat inflammation or histamine associated with allergies, nor does it treat congestion unless it has a -D at the end. It is only for thick, sticky mucus that is difficult to cough up or blow out.

A good nonmedicated option is nasal saline rinses, via either a squirt bottle or neti pot. These can be very good at eliminating the allergens from the inside of the of your air filter (nose) that have become trapped there, and reduce your need for medication by stopping the chain reaction of allergy before it gets going. They also add moisture to a dry nose and thin secretions, combating some of the side effects of commonly used medications for allergies.

As always, if you are unsure, please ask your doctor. Also, if you have tried one or more of the above, and you continue to have allergy symptoms, perhaps it’s time to visit your local allergist and discuss other options.

Back To Top