Grand Canyon Times

• Both allergies and colds are more common in the fall and winter months.
• Allergies and colds can potentially develop into sinus infections.
• Scottsdale Sinus and Allergy Center offers a range of solutions to treat the underlying conditions causing allergies or sinus infections.

While many people know that experiencing allergy symptoms and colds is more common in the fall and winter, they may not realize that allergies and colds can develop into sinus infections, the Houston Chronicle reported. Allergies, colds and sinus infections have many of the same symptoms, so it can be difficult to distinguish between them.

Dr. Tran Locke, an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist who works at Baylor College of Medicine, said that if symptoms such as congestion last longer than 10 days, it might be time to see a doctor to determine whether a sinus infection has developed. Other symptoms could include a feeling of pressure in the face, a decreased sense of smell, tooth pain or a fever. Many patients can resolve their symptoms through medication, but for some, a minimally invasive surgery might be the best option to treat an underlying condition, Locke said.

"Most of the patients, by the time they get to a specialist's office, they've already been through the basic stuff, the allergy medications, the nasal sprays, antibiotics and steroids," Dr. Brian Lee of Scottsdale Sinus and Allergy Center told Grand Canyon Times. "So that's usually the first level of treatment options. The next step up the ladder would be some type of procedural intervention like balloon sinuplasty. This procedure is great because it not only replaces the traditional sinus surgery that's has been done for the past 30 years, it allows us to intervene earlier in the disease process. With balloon sinuplasty, because it's so safe, it's minimally invasive, the downtime is so minimal, it allows us to intervene even for patients with mild disease and to really improve their quality of life."

Balloon sinuplasty, also known as balloon catheter dilation surgery, is a procedure used to clear blocked sinuses, according to Healthline. This surgery is relatively new, having been approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2005. It’s also commonly referred to as the “smart sinus” procedure.

A balloon sinuplasty procedure lasts 10 to 15 minutes, and patients typically recover within one to two days. Most patients can resume their normal activities in that time period, although they may experience some swelling for up to a week, according to Dr. Michael Eisemann of Eisemann Plastic Surgery Center in Houston.

Scottsdale Sinus and Allergy Center offers a variety of ear, nose and throat (ENT) treatments to help provide permanent relief to patients suffering from allergies and sinus problems. The practice offers the latest innovative solutions, such as balloon sinuplasty procedures. The office is located on East 2nd Street in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Those interested in learning more about diagnosis or treatment of chronic sinusitis are invited to take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.