OVERVIEW OF OTOLARYNGIC ALLERGY MANAGEMENT - AN ECLECTIC AND COST-EFFECTIVE APPROACH

Ear, nose, and throat allergic assessment plays an integral role in th e evaluation and care of approximately 25% of patients seen in a gener al otolaryngology practice. With the advances in health care delivery and the influence of managed care organizations, physicians are asked to render test-effective evaluation and management of their patients. This article examines the economic issues and historical data regardin g the work-up of patients with suspected allergic problems. Relative c ost-benefits of different modalities of treatments, including avoidanc e techniques, pharmacotherapy, and immunotherapy, are discussed.