Should allergies and their symptoms be assessed by an allergist or ENT in the Elgin area?

Posted By: | Published On: | Allergy Treatment
Should allergies and their symptoms be assessed by an allergist or ENT in the Elgin area?

When allergies flare up, the areas that frequently become irritated are the ears, nose, throat, and eyes. For this reason, a person with allergies may schedule a visit with an ear, nose, and throat doctor for the diagnosis and treatment of symptoms such as difficulty breathing, raspy voice, or sore throat. ENT doctors do, in fact, have the ability to examine these areas, but their training has focused on finding and correcting structural problems, not on testing for allergies. More than 50 percent of the time, breathing problems and sore throats are actually an allergy problem.

Allergist or ENT – what is the difference?

A doctor is a doctor, right? Not necessarily. Allergies are common, but that does not mean that every type of physician has the full extent of training to offer the care needed to minimize severity of symptoms.

Ear, nose, and throat doctors have received a small amount of training in the area of allergies. The bulk of their education, however, lies in structural anomalies and surgical procedures. An allergist is a specialist who has completed years of additional training focused solely on allergic conditions and the treatment of them. This training translates into the most thorough evaluation and diagnosis of symptoms, and the use of the latest treatments to resolve them. An allergist provides you with:

  • A thorough medical history
  • Skin testing and the interpretation of results
  • Treatment options including lifestyle modifications, medications, and immunotherapy

Because half of all sinus problems stem from some type of allergic response, it is beneficial to seek the care of a qualified allergist. If, during our evaluation of your symptoms, we notice a structural problem that may be the cause of, or may be exacerbating your symptoms, we will discuss the value of an ENT consultation.

The medical team at Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates has completed the training and certification process for the treatment of allergies and their symptoms. We use this knowledge and our clinical experience to help our patients gain control over their health. Call (847) 888-8802 to schedule a visit to our Elgin or Crystal Lake office.

Share this Article


Back to Allergy Treatment Page

Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates, logo

Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates

Meredith Cirrincione | Dr. Noga Askenazi

Amy Schack, a distinguished board-certified Physician Associate, brings a wealth of expertise to patient care. Specializing in allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, asthma, and rashes, Amy is renowned for her commitment to excellence and compassionate approach. With a background in immediate care and orthopedics, she holds a Master's in Physician Assistant studies from Midwestern University and a Bachelor of Science from Northern Illinois University. A member of esteemed professional associations, including the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Association of PAs in Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, Amy Schack instills confidence, ensuring you can trust her unwavering dedication to your health and well-being.


Meredith Cirrincione is a board certified Physician Assistant and specializes in treating allergies, with a focus on asthma, rashes, environmental allergies, chemical and food allergies. She holds a Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from The Chicago Medical School - Rosalind Franklin University of Health Sciences. She is a Fellow member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the Illinois Academy of Physician Assistants, and the Association of PAs in Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. She likes to approach things holistically. She is a strong patient advocate and adored by her patients. She enjoys singing, reading, cooking, and the great outdoors.


Dr. Noga Askenazi is a nationally recognized asthma and allergy specialist who is board certified in pediatric and adult allergy. Her areas of special interest are innovative treatment of rashes, sinusitis, food allergies, asthma and immune disorders. She was past President of the ISAAI (Illinois Society of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology), works on state and national committees for advancement of the allergy field and is a consultant for Advocate, Ascension Health, Northwestern amongst other health care systems. Her joy is helping patients reach their goals after together determining best treatments. Her staff and patients are a chosen family, and she invests in their happiness. She enjoys gardening, biking and cooking to good music.


Penicillin Allergy Testing