With spring comes new growth. Trees get their leaves back, plants flourish again, and new flowers seem to be everywhere. Everyone else may look forward to the winter thaw and arrival of spring.
If you have allergies, though, you may dread this time of year. What others perceive as a warm and pleasant breeze may be nothing but a carrier of pollen to you. The sight of busy bees may only remind you that pollen is everywhere, threatening to trigger your allergies.
Allergies can lead to symptoms such as sneezing, an itchy nose, and watery eyes. These symptoms are bad enough, since they interfere with daily life. But as you may well know, you can also get sinusitis triggered by allergies. Balloon sinuplasty may be the answer for you.
The Link Between Allergies and Sinusitis
Allergies can put you at risk for more serious conditions such as asthma and ear and lung infections, as well as a higher risk for sinusitis. The condition can be a result of a fungal infection. Sinusitis is a particular threat if you have hay fever or an allergy to pets or mold.
If you have sinusitis, you may have pain around your eyes and nose, as well as feelings of nausea or lethargy, or shortness of temper. You could have coughing and a sore throat, along with a stuffy nose and thick discharge. Ear and jaw pain are also possible.
Diagnosis of Allergies and Sinusitis
An early step when seeking medical help for allergies is to get a diagnosis. Dr. Lee Mandel may ask you questions to try to confirm that pollen or other environment triggers are causing your symptoms.
In addition, Dr. Lee Mandel will ask about your sinusitis symptoms to be sure that is the condition for which you need to be treated. Diagnosis of sinusitis can also include a nasal endoscopy to visualize your sinus cavities, imaging such as MRI, and taking sinus and nasal cultures to check for infections causing your symptoms.
First-Line Treatment for Allergies and Sinusitis
You can try to limit your exposure to pollen and any other allergens, such as mold and pet hair. However, avoiding these compounds entirely is nearly impossible since they are in the air and possibly in the indoors environment.
The next step is to manage and try to prevent your symptoms. Early treatment for sinusitis can include medications such as oral or nasal corticosteroids and pain relievers. More serious treatment can be necessary if these are not effective or if sinusitis returns.
Balloon Sinuplasty for Sinusitis
Balloon sinuplasty is a more aggressive treatment that can treat sinusitis. An ear, nose, and throat doctor at Florida Sinus & Snoring Specialists, Inc. can often do the procedure in the office rather than the hospital. Dr. Lee Mandel puts a scope into your sinus cavities to clean them out. No tissue is removed, and general anesthesia is not required.
With proper treatment for allergies, you may be able to enjoy the outdoors environment much more. Sinusitis can give you headaches and other unpleasant symptoms, but there is hope. Balloon sinuplasty can be an effective and cost-effective choice to relieve sinusitis if you have allergies.
