Posts by Thomas Lupoli, D.O.
The Complete Guide to Florida Fall Allergy Season 2026
updated: Oct 2026 Most people in America look forward to autumn with its pumpkin spice lattes, mild sun, and cooler air. North Floridians, though, know this time of year as “extended summer.” And if you deal with fall allergies, October can be a frustrating month. For 2026, the biggest fall allergy concern in Jacksonville and…
Read MoreWhy You Need An Allergist/Immunologist, Not Just An ENT For Comprehensive Allergy Care In Jacksonville
Both otolaryngologists (ENTs) and Allergist/Immunologists are skilled in treating nasal and sinus inflammation. We often hear patients express confusion about the differences between these two specialties and about which specialist is best suited to address their concerns. Hopefully, the following article helps clarify some of that confusion. If you have sinus pressure, congestion, drainage, ear…
Read MoreAsthma & Allergies: Understanding the Critical Connection for Jacksonville Patients
The “One Airway” Concept Many patients manage their runny nose with one provider and their wheezing with another, without realizing they are often fighting the same underlying problem. Nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, and shortness of breath may seem like separate issues, but medically they are closely connected. This connection is known as United Airway Disease.…
Read MoreFood Allergy vs. Food Intolerance: A Clear Guide for Jacksonville Families
Lunchbox Anxiety If you’re a parent, you know the feeling. You’re packing a lunch, scanning ingredient labels, or dropping your child off at a birthday party and wondering: Will this food cause a reaction? In Jacksonville, where school events, sports practices, and social gatherings are part of everyday life, food concerns can quietly turn into…
Read MoreEar Pressure & Pain in Jacksonville: When Allergies Mimic Ear Infections
The “Underwater” Feeling If you’ve ever felt like your ears are stuffed with cotton, your hearing is muffled, or you’re walking around underwater, you know how uncomfortable ear pressure can be. Some describe it as a fullness that won’t “pop,” others say it’s like wearing invisible earplugs that won’t come out. In Jacksonville’s humid, high-pollen…
Read MoreAre Your OTC Allergy Meds Doing More Harm Than Good? An Allergist’s Guide
The Over-the-Counter (OTC) Trap If you’re like many people in Jacksonville, seasonal allergies are part of your daily life. When pollen counts spike or mold flares up after summer rain, your first stop may be the pharmacy. A box of pills or a quick nasal decongestant spray are an easy fix. At first, you may…
Read MoreSinusitis vs. Allergic Rhinitis: Why Your “Sinus Infection” Might Actually Be Allergies in Jacksonville
If you live in or near Jacksonville, chances are you’ve experienced those frustrating bouts of congestion, sneezing, and headaches every spring or fall. Perhaps you’ve labeled it a recurring “sinus infection,” reached for antibiotics, or headed straight to an ENT surgeon. But what if those symptoms aren’t a sinus infection after all? What if allergies—specifically…
Read MoreWhen to Contact an Allergist vs ENT
Updated: May 2025 It’s common for people with sinus or nasal symptoms to consider seeing either a board-certified Allergist/Immunologist or an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist. But which specialist should be seen first? As trained surgeons, ENTs play a crucial role in evaluating and correcting structural issues such as blocked sinus cavities, severely deviated…
Read MoreBack-to-School Tips for Parents of Allergy Sensitive Kids
updated August 2024 It’s back-to-school time again, and if you’re the parent of a child in Jacksonville who suffers with allergies or asthma, it can also be a stressful time. Food allergies affect approximately one in 13 kids (or about 8%). And it appears its prevalence is rising. That means that in the average classroom,…
Read MoreCan Allergies Cause a Sore Throat?
When you experience a sore throat, you may immediately think of a cold or the flu as the culprits. However, allergies—a less suspected cause—can also be behind this uncomfortable condition. If you’re wondering whether your sore throat could be triggered by allergies, you’re not alone. Many patients face this issue, especially during peak allergy seasons.…
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