Inspire
Allergy & Asthma

---

​A Q & A with Dr. Anita Sivam

This month, we sat down with board-certified allergist and immunologist Dr. Anita Sivam, founder of Inspire Allergy & Asthma in Carmel. A lifelong asthma patient herself, Sivam brings both clinical expertise and personal perspective to care that looks beyond symptoms, helping patients understand triggers, treat root causes and find long-term relief.

​

Q: What are the biggest seasonal allergy triggers this time of year, and what mistakes do people make in treating them?

A: In spring, tree pollens like maple, oak, elm and birch are the biggest triggers, followed by grass pollen later in the season. Temperature swings and rainy days can also stir up mold. One of the most common mistakes is starting treatment too late—waiting until symptoms are in full swing. Ideally, preventative therapy should begin before peak pollen season. People also use medications inconsistently, stop nasal sprays too soon, or rely only on oral antihistamines when a daily intranasal steroid may be more effective. Another issue is assuming every flare is a sinus infection and seeking antibiotics. We really encourage patients to look for patterns.

Q: How do allergies and asthma intersect?

A: Both conditions are rooted in inflammation. In asthma, inflammation narrows the airways, causing coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. With environmental allergies, inflammation affects the nose and eyes, but it can also impact the lungs and worsen asthma symptoms. That’s why treating them together is so important. Managing allergies can improve asthma control, reduce flare-ups, decrease medication needs and help patients breathe easier overall.

Q: What makes your approach at Inspire Allergy & Asthma different?

A: Our approach is centered on time, transparency and pricing. We use a direct care model, which removes many of the insurance-driven limitations on how long we can spend with patients. Visits are intentionally thorough, focused on understanding not just symptoms but the “why” behind them.

Many people assume a direct-care model is more expensive, but that’s not necessarily the case. When you factor in premiums, deductibles and multiple shorter visits, many patients are already paying quite a bit out of pocket. With transparent pricing and longer, more comprehensive visits, the overall cost can be comparable, even sometimes less, while the experience and access to care are significantly improved.

Q: What can someone expect from their first visit?

A: During a first visit, we sit down and have a detailed conversation about history, triggers, lifestyle and goals. We review prior testing and treatments, discuss whether allergy testing is appropriate and, if so, perform testing for environmental or food allergies. From there, we review results together and build a personalized plan. My goal is for patients to leave feeling heard, informed and confident about their next steps.

Q: Many people rely on over-the-counter medications for years. When is it time to see a specialist?

A: Over-the-counter medications can be helpful, and for some people they’re enough. But if you’re relying on them daily for a long period, still having symptoms, or needing repeated steroids or antibiotics, it’s time to see a specialist. An allergy evaluation isn’t just about adding more medications. We look for the root cause and identify triggers. If we address those, we can reduce symptoms and often decrease medication over time. In some cases, treatment includes immunotherapy (allergy shots or drops) which retrains the immune system and offers long-term improvement. We’re looking at the long game, not the short game.

Q: How has allergy treatment evolved, and what should patients know about their options today?

A: Allergies and asthma are common, but they shouldn’t be something you just live with. These conditions can affect sleep, school performance, work productivity and overall quality of life. The good news is we have more tools than ever—improved inhalers, biologics and environmental immunotherapy, along with newer options like oral immunotherapy for food allergies, which can help patients build tolerance rather than relying on strict avoidance. That’s why personalized care matters, because it’s not one-size-fits-all.