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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

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…

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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…

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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…

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Upcoming Dates

04/01/24: Fellow Exam Application Deadline
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06/01/24: Research Grant Cycle
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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
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12/01/24: Research Grant Cycle
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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.

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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
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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…

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Member Perspective on AAOA Value

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

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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

You want me to spray what up my nose? 

Understanding the Different Types of Nasal Sprays

Nasal sprays work well as they are sprayed directly into the nose in order to target nasal allergy symptoms without going to the rest of the body. These can decrease side-effects of the medication and increase results. There are many types of nasal sprays – both prescription and over-the-counter. Here is a quick guide about the different types. Listed are some common generic and brand names, but this is not an inclusive list. Please consult with your physician before starting any medication. All nasal sprays can cause nose bleeds if not used correctly.

Nasal Steroid Sprays

Usually one of the first-line therapies for allergies. Nasal steroids work by decreasing inflammation within the nasal passages. These sprays offer relief from nasal congestion, sneezing, watery eyes and runny nose. Many of these sprays are available over-the-counter. For these medications to work properly, it is important to use them daily or twice daily for a few weeks. Often times people only try them for a week or  do not use them on a regular basis and these medications are unlikely to work. Steroids have many side effects (such as cataracts), but these risks are much lower in the nasal form compared to the oral form, but always discuss with your physician before starting a medication.

Generic- Budesonide, Ciclesonide, Fluticasone, Flunisolide, Mometasone, Triamcinolone

Brand – Rhinocort, Omnaris, Zetonna, Flonase, Nasonex, Nasacort, Xhance, Beconase, Nasarel, Qnasl, Vancenase, Veramyst, Zetonna

Nasal Antihistamine Sprays

Nasal antihistamine sprays are similar to oral antihistamines by blocking histamine. These medications are good at treating the runny nose aspect of allergies. The most common reaction is bitter taste.

Generic – Azelastine, olopatadine

Brand – Astelin, Astepro, Patanase

Combination nasal steroid and antihistamine sprays

This nasal spray contains both a nasal steroid and antihistamine (azelastine and fluticasone). Currently only available by prescription.

Brand – Dymista

Nasal Anticholinergic Sprays

Anticholinergic nasal sprays are good for treating runny nose in patients with both allergic and nonallergic rhinitis. These work by blocking acetylcholine which decreases secretions from the glands in the nasal passage. Common reactions include dry mouth and bad taste.

Generic – Ipratropium Bromide

Brand- Atrovent

Nasal Cromolyn sodium spray

This nasal spray helps with nasal congestion, sneezing and runny nose in patients with allergies. It works by inhibiting mast cells. It is available over-the-counter. The most common side-effect is nasal burning and bad taste. 

Generic – Cromolyn nasal

Brand- Nasalcrom

Nasal Decongestant Sprays

Nasal decongestants provide temporary relief of nasal congestion by constricting the blood vessels in the nose which reduces nasal swelling and congestion. These are available over-the-counter. Nasal decongestants are good for short periods of time such as when you have a cold or during a bad allergy episode. These should not be used for more than three days as they can become addictive by causing a rebound nasal congestion effect. This is called Rhinitis medicamentosa.

Please see the link here for further information on treating chronic nasal decongestant use.

Generic- Oxymetazoline, phenylephrine, xylometazoline, naphazoline, neo-synephrine

Brand- Afrin, Sinex, Dristan, Zicam

Nasal saline spray or gel

These sprays contain saline. The sprays are good to keep the nose moist, but they are unlikely to help with nasal congestion. Often times there are good for patients who have epistaxis.

Generic – nasal saline spray

Brand- Simply Saline, Xlear, A&H, Ayr

Nasal irrigations

Sterile water that is mixed with salt and often baking soda is flushed into the nose. The idea is to rinse out the mucus out of the nose. These are often used before using a nasal spray. Your physician may add steroids or antibiotic ointment to it as well. If used and cleaned proper, these have few side-effects. Water from the tap or well cannot be used as it is not adequately filtered.

Generic – Bulb syringe

Brand- Nettipot, Neimed, Ayr

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.

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