Media Type: Blogs

By Eugene Chio, MD

Ohio ENT & Allergy Physicians | ENT

Sleep apnea is a common but serious condition that causes breathing to repeatedly stop and start during sleep. Left untreated, it can lead to significant health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, excessive daytime fatigue, and poor quality of life. Many people don’t realize they have sleep apnea until a partner notices loud snoring or pauses in breathing during the night.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is typically the first-line treatment for obstructive sleep apnea and is highly effective for many patients. However, not everyone is able to tolerate wearing a CPAP mask throughout the night. Fortunately, there are several alternative treatment options available, including custom oral appliances made by dental specialists and a variety of surgical procedures tailored to each patient’s needs.

One of the most exciting advances in sleep apnea treatment is hypoglossal nerve stimulation. This innovative therapy involves a small implanted device that stimulates the hypoglossal nerve, which controls tongue movement. During sleep, the device gently moves the tongue forward to help keep the airway open, reducing airway obstruction and improving breathing throughout the night. For carefully selected patients with obstructive sleep apnea who cannot tolerate CPAP, this treatment can significantly improve sleep quality and overall health.

If you struggle with sleep apnea or have been unable to use CPAP successfully, you may have more options than you realize. The specialists at Ohio ENT & Allergy Physicians can evaluate your condition, discuss your treatment goals, and help determine which therapy is right for you. Go to OhioENTandAllergy.com today to request a consultation and learn more about your sleep apnea treatment options.

By Michael Goodman, MD

Ohio ENT & Allergy Physicians | Allergy and Immunology

It’s not just “in your head”….Ohio, central Ohio in particular, really is rough for allergy sufferers. There are good reasons why that’s the case. First, Ohio has many pollen-producing plants, including trees, grasses, and weeds (e.g., ragweed). The more plants there are, the more pollen there is. Also, mold loves Ohio. The hot, humid summers and the fact that central Ohio sits in a river basin make it a great environment for mold growth. Unfortunately, our urban environment doesn’t do us any favors either. Urban environments tend to have higher temperatures and increased CO2 levels. These two factors can supercharge plants like ragweed, making them much more allergenic than their rural counterparts. Also, the higher temperatures can lengthen pollen seasons, causing you to suffer for longer.

Due to industrial emissions, transportation, shipping, and other factors, central Ohio can experience significant air pollution issues. Air pollution, PM2.5 pollution in particular, has a wide variety of effects that exacerbate allergies. Research suggests it may increase the development of allergies, intensify your reactions to allergens once sensitized, and contribute to airway inflammation in other ways that further exacerbate your symptoms.

Keeping an eye on both allergen and air quality reports can help you navigate central Ohio’s tough allergy and air quality issues. Many weather apps have sections that provide up-to-date information on these factors. Avoiding spending time outside on high-pollen and poor-air-quality days is a good place to start in controlling your symptoms.

By Evan Tobin, MD

Ohio ENT & Allergy Physicians

Most kids get a stuffy nose from time to time, usually from a cold or allergies. Because children (and adults) are meant to breathe through their nose, congestion can affect sleep, appetite, and comfort.

If it continues, you may notice:

• Mouth breathing
• Snoring or restless sleep
• Bed wetting can occur
• Hyperactivity
• Over time, possible dental or bite changes

The nose warms, filters, and cleans the air. In children, the adenoids (tissue in the back of the nose) help fight infection—but if they get too big, they can block airflow.

Why Kids Get Stuffy Noses

1. Viral Infection — “A Cold” (Very Common)

Kids can get 6–10 colds per year. These are more common in colder months and in school or daycare settings.

Symptoms:

• Runny/stuffy nose
• Cough or sore throat
• Sometimes low fever

What helps:

• Saline spray or rinse
• Fluids and rest
• Tylenol® or Motrin® for comfort

Antibiotics are not helpful early.

➡️ Call your pediatrician if symptoms last >10–14 days or worsen.

2. Allergies

Triggered by pollen, dust, pets, or mold. Can be seasonal or year round.

Symptoms:

• Sneezing
• Itchy nose (frequent rubbing)
• Clear runny nose
• Congestion

What helps:

• Antihistamines (Zyrtec®, Claritin®)
• Daily nasal sprays (work best with consistent use)
• Saline rinses

➡️ Ongoing symptoms may need allergy testing or specialist care.

3. Sinus Infection

Sometimes follows a cold. Not as common as in adults.

Watch for:

• Symptoms >10–14 days
• Thick drainage
• Nighttime cough
• Facial pressure (older kids)
• Fever, pain/headache, or facial/eye swelling are warning signs that require a doctor call or consultation.
• May require an office CAT scan if becomes chronic.

Usual treatment as for a cold but the patient may need antibiotics.

Enlarged Adenoids

Very common cause of chronic nasal symptoms — like a cold that won’t go away. Often overlooked.

Signs:

• Mouth breathing
• Snoring / poor sleep
• Constant runny nose
• Frequent ear infections
• Nighttime cough
• Simple scope in office can make the diagnosis

Something Stuck (Foreign Body) in the Nose

More common in younger kids.

Clues:

• Drainage from one side only
• Bad smell
• Symptoms that don’t improve

Swollen Nasal Turbinate Tissue

Normal structures inside the nose can become chronically swollen after colds or allergies and block airflow. Allergy and cold treatment can help. Nasal steroid sprays may be recommended.

When to Call a Doctor

Seek immediate care if your child has:

• High fever
• Severe headache
• Swelling around the eyes
• Vision changes
• Trouble breathing
• Symptoms not improving after 10–14 days

Bottom Line

Most childhood nasal congestion is caused by colds, allergies, enlarged adenoids, or (less commonly) sinus infections. Most cases improve with simple care.

If symptoms persist or affect sleep and daily life, it’s worth getting checked — effective treatment can be life changing.

The doctors at Ohio ENT & Allergy are happy to evaluate your child. All insurance is accepted, and a referral may not be necessary.

— Dr. Tobin

Provided by: Jeff Schafer, MD

ENT

A chronic cough can be frustrating and exhausting—both for patients and for those trying to help treat it. If a cough has lasted longer than 8 weeks, and initial testing like a chest X-ray is normal, it may be time to look a little deeper.

An Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist can help evaluate causes that aren’t always obvious. Using a quick, in-office exam to look at the throat and voice box, they can often identify issues that may be contributing to the cough and help avoid months of trial-and-error treatments.

Sometimes, a cough is related to common conditions like acid reflux, asthma, allergies, or sinus issues. In those cases, trying treatment for those conditions may help. However, certain symptoms should be checked more urgently by a specialist, including:

• Changes in your voice
• Noisy or high-pitched breathing
• Trouble or pain with swallowing
• Coughing up blood
• Unexplained weight loss

In some cases, even after testing and treatment, the cough continues. This may be due to something called “laryngeal hypersensitivity,” where the nerves in the throat become overly sensitive. This can cause coughing from things that normally wouldn’t trigger it—like talking, breathing, or even certain smells.

The good news is that there are effective treatments available. These may include specific cough control techniques, medications that help calm the nerves, and in some cases, targeted procedures to reduce the sensitivity.

It’s also common for a chronic cough to have more than one cause. That means a combination of treatments may be needed at first, with the goal of gradually reducing them as symptoms improve.

If your cough isn’t going away, you’re not alone—and there are answers and options to help you feel better.

After decades of service, commitment, and compassionate care, Dr. Lowery is beginning a well-earned retirement. For many patients and colleagues, this milestone is both a moment of celebration and a moment of reflection on an extraordinary career that has shaped our practice and community.

Dr. Lowery followed in the steps of his father, Howard Lowery, MD, in becoming an ENT and began practicing medicine with a clear purpose, to provide thoughtful, evidence-based care while treating every patient with dignity and respect. Throughout the years, that purpose never wavered. Whether guiding families through complex medical decisions, mentoring young clinicians, or refining clinical protocols to elevate standards of care, Dr. Lowery brought consistency, insight, and unwavering professionalism to every interaction.

Patients frequently describe Dr. Lowery as a physician who listened first, spoke with intention, and always prioritized the whole person rather than just the diagnosis. His partners and staff share the same appreciation, noting his steady, reassuring presence, his genuine team-first attitude, and the way he brings a light, upbeat energy to even the most challenging clinical days. They often say he has a gift for keeping everyone grounded, supported, and smiling.

The medical landscape has changed significantly during Dr. Lowery’s career, yet the values that defined his practice, integrity, empathy, and dedication, remained constant. These values will continue to influence our team long after retirement.

As Dr. Lowery transitions into this next chapter, we extend our deepest gratitude. We are honored to have worked alongside such an exceptional physician and friend. While the practice will undoubtedly feel different without Dr. Lowery in the hallway, the legacy of care established over so many years will continue to guide us forward.

We wish Dr. Lowery health, happiness, and fulfillment in the years ahead.

Provided By: Philip Rancitelli, MD

Allergist/Immunologist

Here we go again.

The so-called allergy experts in the media are predicting a historical spring pollen season.  We hear this almost every year, but the reality is that it’s almost impossible to predict how pollen allergies will impact allergy sufferers year by year.  It ultimately depends on day-to-day weather.  Frequent rain washes pollen out of the air, whereas consecutive dry windy days can make outside activities insufferable.

Most allergy sufferers respond very well to medications, but for those who don’t, or for those who like the idea of a natural treatment that reduces medication reliance, allergen immunotherapy is an excellent option!

Did you know that allergen immunotherapy can prevent asthma?

Yep, it’s true.  Studies have shown that allergen immunotherapy prescribed for pre-adolescent children with allergic rhinitis reduces the risk of asthma!

The board-certified allergists/immunologists at Ohio ENT & Allergy Physicians can guide patients (adult and pediatric) through all the options available for immunotherapy, including:

• Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) – traditional and accelerated protocols
• Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT)
• Intralymphatic immunotherapy (ILIT)
• Oral immunotherapy (OIT) – for food allergies

We also have a robust biologics program for patients with severe asthma, atopic dermatitis, food allergies, urticaria, and nasal polyps.

We have the most experienced team of allergists/immunologists in Central Ohio to help with all your allergy and asthma needs!

Provided by: Basil Kahwash, MD

Allergist/Immunologist 

Diseases like asthma and atopic dermatitis (eczema) are often caused by ongoing uncontrolled inflammation in the body. In asthma, for example, this inflammation leads to narrowing of the airways, making it harder to breathe. For decades, the management of allergic and inflammatory diseases has depended on various forms of steroids. Asthma attacks, severe eczema flares, and nasal polyps are treated with an oral course of steroid. Control of these diseases can be maintained with drugs like steroid inhalers, steroid creams, and nasal steroid sprays. While these treatments can be effective, they may also cause side effects when used in high doses or for too long.

Biologics are a newer type of medication that work differently. They target specific proteins in the immune system that cause inflammation. Biologics are given as injections or infusions, usually every few weeks, and are designed to block the signals that trigger inflammation in allergic diseases. Unlike steroids, which affect the whole body, biologics are more precise and only target certain parts of the immune system. This means they can help control symptoms like wheezing, itching, or nasal congestion with fewer side effects.

Patients whose allergic disease is not well controlled with standard treatments are often good candidates for biologics. A biologic can help control disease while reducing dependence on steroids and the side effects that come with them. If you have ongoing symptoms despite using inhalers, creams, nose sprays, or other medications, your doctor may discuss whether a biologic is right for you. These medications have helped many people control their disease and enjoy a better quality of life.

By: Michael Goodman, MD
Allergist/Immunologist

Why Back-to-School Season Can Increase Food Allergy Anxiety

Unfortunately, food allergies and anxiety often go hand in hand. Studies show that patients with food allergy do have higher rates of anxiety. Having some apprehension about eating certain things can be a normal part of living with food allergy. In some ways, it can even be helpful by making one more aware of what they eat and the risks it might entail. However, too much anxiety can be detrimental. After all, eating is a normal routine action that shouldn’t provoke an unhealthy level of anxiety. When anxiety takes over, it can even mimic an allergic reaction with symptoms like shortness of breath.

As children return to school, it’s worth reviewing a few tips that can make the transition back to school life easier for students and parents.

1. Try to normalize being around the food allergen. The main type of food allergy exposures to worry about is ingestion. Less commonly, being around the food as it is being cooked or skin contact may cause reactions in certain situations. By learning that just the smell of a food, or being in the same room with the food, won’t cause a reaction, the level of anxiety when you come across the food can be lessened. In some cases, a therapist can help normalize this behavior.
2. Sitting at an allergen-free table or going to an allergen-free school should not be a substitute for diligence in careful label reading and understanding what you are consuming. Make it part of your routine.
3. Create a support group of friends and/or family that understands your food allergy, what needs to be avoided, and how reactions should be treated. No one is perfect 100% of the time. Accidents are a normal part of life, and food allergy. Having another set of eyes around will help you stay safe.
4. Have a plan! Know the plan! Be comfortable with the plan!. Again, accidents are normal. Having a clear understanding of what steps to take when a reaction occurs and how to use rescue medications will lessen the anxiety if a reaction does occur. This includes being comfortable with how to use your epinephrine rescue device.
5. Talk about your anxiety. You are not in this alone. Talk with parents, a counselor, an allergist, or other trusted individuals. No one can help you until they know your concern. There are also some great online resources available from organizations like FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education).

Anxiety with food allergy is normal, but don’t let anxiety about food allergies become your normal! With good planning, clear communication with the school, and support from your healthcare team, you can help ease that worry and keep your child safe and confident throughout the school year.

Ohio ENT & Allergy Specializes in Food Allergies

If you suspect your child has an undiagnosed food allergy, schedule an appointment at Ohio ENT & Allergy.

By: Evan Tobin, MD

If you’re struggling with nasal congestion, sinus infections, allergies, or sleep problems, you know how much they can affect your everyday life. Finding the proper care makes all the difference — and that’s where Ohio ENT & Allergy Physicians comes in.

Our team brings together more than 200 years of combined Allergy and ENT experience caring for patients like you. We aren’t “visiting doctors”. We are doctors who work and live here — your neighbors. We’ve raised our children here and built strong ties to this community over decades. We care for other doctors and their families — a sign of trust that we’re especially proud of.

While “new” treatments and new practices often sound exciting, experience truly matters when it comes to your health. At Ohio ENT & Allergy Physicians, we offer the latest, proven treatments for sinus issues, allergies, nasal problems, and sleep disorders — but what sets us apart is that we know how to match the right treatment to the right person. New technology means little without expert hands and a thoughtful approach. We will always try medicine first — usually with success. If a procedure is necessary, it will be done in the office, if possible, or at a state-of-the-art surgery center or hospital if necessary. And after the procedure, WE ARE HERE if there’s a question or problem — minor or major.

Our doctors aren’t just experienced — they are leaders in the field. We teach other doctors, present at national medical conferences, and are published in medical journals. We’re proud to bring that level of knowledge and skill directly to you.

When you choose Ohio ENT & Allergy Physicians, you’re choosing expert care, trusted experience, and a team committed to the Columbus community for generations.

Here’s a list of things to ask when considering a procedure for a nasal, sinus, breathing, or snoring problem:

• Would you recommend this procedure to a family member or colleague?
• Are you a visiting or “traveling doctor”? If so, who will help me if there is a problem?
• Do you have hospital privileges in Columbus?
• If so, where?
• If not, why not?

If the answers do not reassure you, get another opinion.

The doctors at Ohio ENT & Allergy Physicians will happily provide that opinion.

We’re here to help you breathe easier, sleep better, and feel your best — today and for years to come.

(FOUNDING FATHER OF OUR PRACTICE)

Dr. Howard Lowery, the son of Mary and JG Lowery, was born and raised in New Concord, Ohio. He graduated from The Ohio State University College of Medicine in 1955. Dr. Lowery and his wife Ellen moved to Columbus in 1961, at which time he joined his brother, John McConagha Lowery, in the practice of Otorhinolaryngology.

What was then a two-physician ENT practice has today grown into a 30-physician corporation including Allergy, ENT, Neuro-Ophthalmology, and Oral Pathology. Dr. Howard, as he was affectionately known, was a local pioneer in ear surgery and has been the backbone of this practice. He has performed hundreds of mastoidectomies, was an innovator in stapes surgery, and performed the first cochlear implant in Columbus.

Kind and gentle, he always carried himself with the grace and dignity befitting a man of healing science. Rare was the person ever to have heard him utter a harsh word. Well-known for his patience and endlessly pleasant demeanor, Dr. Howard had a lifelong interest in learning and was the epitome of a dedicated physician.

We, the physicians and staff of Ohio ENT & Allergy Physicians, honor a career in medicine that extended 63 years. His daily dedication, expertise, and quest for quality of care will ever serve as guiding principles for our corporation. Thank you, Dr. Howard, for your lifelong contribution to medicine!