Sinus & Allergies

A robust nose protects the body against respiratory issues, but millions of people suffer from nasal conditions. Fortunately, our nose specialists are trained to tackle a range of nasal problems with innovative methods such as non-evasive balloon sinuplasty, nasal endoscopy, and reconstructive rhinoplasty. We can diagnose and treat your worst symptoms and bring you back to health.

Sinus Infection (Sinusitis) Management

Sinus infections (or sinusitis) are extremely common. They are usually caused by a virus or bacteria, and can stem from allergies, asthma, and poor immunity, among other causes.

There are two types of sinus infections:

• Acute sinusitis can develop in up to 10% of people who catch a cold and symptoms last less than four weeks.
• Chronic sinusitis means that patients experience symptoms for more than 3 months and require long term treatment. This affects around 12% of adults in the US.

If the sinus infection is bacterial, your doctor will start with a short round of antibiotics. If the cause of the infection is viral, it can be treated similarly to a cold using antihistamines, decongestants, and watchful waiting. But if you’re among the 12% of the population that suffers from chronic sinusitis, more aggressive treatment may be needed, like a nasal steroid, sinus rinses, oral steroids like prednisone, or a longer round of antibiotics when medical management fails, there are surgical options for chronic sinusitis including, balloon sinuplasty, a minimally invasive surgery to open up the blocked sinuses.

Allergy Testing & Immunotherapy

Many common substances can be allergens. Pollens, food, mold, dust, feathers, animal dander, and airborne pollutants commonly cause many to suffer allergic reactions. For some, symptoms may be seasonal; for others, allergies symptoms are year-round. There are several ways to decrease allergy symptoms including reducing exposure to allergens, medications (antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays, and decongestants), and allergy shots or drops.

If your allergy symptoms are not well-controlled with over the counter medications, an ENT physician will gather a detailed history and complete a thorough examination. Your physician may suggest allergy testing to find the specific allergen that is causing discomfort. In some cases, subcutaneous immunotherapy (allergy shots) or sublingual immunotherapy (allergy drops under the tongue). Immunotherapy is a method of treating allergies by desensitizing individuals to allergens over time. More about immunotherapy here.