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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…

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CMS Released the Annual Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule

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

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Latest on Federal Issues

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

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Upcoming Dates

08/02/24: Scientific Abstract Submission Deadline
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12/01/24: Research Grant Cycle
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04/01/25: Fellow Exam Application Deadline
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06/01/25: Research Grant Cycle
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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.

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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…

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ABOHNS Practice Analysis Job Task Analysis Survey

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

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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.

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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

Treating Allergy Symptoms without going to the Doctor

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.

Visit our Patient Resources Page for more information provided by our AAOA members.

 

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