Overcoming Sinus Allergies
Nov 17, 2017
The discomfort caused by sinus allergies can have a serious impact on your work and other daily activities. As many as one-third of adults have sinus allergies, and each person’s symptoms are unique to the individual.
When medication does not provide relief from headaches, cold symptoms, pressure, and other side effects of sinus problems, Dr. Zadeh offers a range of procedures to alleviate symptoms. Read the top nine ways we can help you overcome the symptoms associated with allergies.
The first step toward improving sinus allergies is accurate testing and diagnosis. We utilize the industry’s latest technology to identify any abnormalities and create an effective treatment plan. Accurate testing will help you isolate the cause of your sinus allergies and lead to quicker treatment.
Our team uses a variety of testing methods to identify structural problems, allergens, and infectious organisms. A routine allergy test is a minimally-invasive way to determine what your body is allergic to, while a nasal endoscopy or CT (computed tomography) scan can detect abnormalities in the structure of your nose structure or other areas. Once we determine the cause of your sinus allergies, we can use one of many treatment methods to reduce the symptoms you are experiencing.
Typically, Dr. Zadeh will recommend a medication or non-invasive method of treatment before advising a surgical procedure. The type of non-surgical treatment will vary based on your condition and the severity of your symptoms. After comprehensive testing and diagnosis, Dr. Zadeh will discuss all available options with you so you are well-informed about what to expect.
If medication or non-surgical procedures do not fully resolve your symptoms, Dr. Zadeh will discuss surgical options with you.
A deviated septum is an abnormality in the bone and cartilage that separates your nostrils, which can lead to trouble breathing, among other symptoms. The vast majority of adults have some degree of deviation in the septum, which can make exercise, sleep, or other activities more difficult.
Septoplasty is a procedure that straightens the septum, alleviating many of your symptoms. The surgery aims to straighten the bone and cartilage to make your nasal passages symmetrical and remove obstructions that are blocking airflow.
For some patients, obstructed breathing leads to sinusitis, a condition with swelling and inflammation in the sinuses. The most common treatment for sinusitis is endoscopic sinus surgery, which improves the inner structure of your nose to increase ventilation.
Dr. Zadeh uses CT scan technology during the procedure to get a live image of your nasal passages. Computer-aided procedures allow for Dr. Zadeh to get a live view of your progress and leads to more accurate results.
Technological advances in treatment include balloon sinuplasty, which is a minimally-invasive form of endoscopic sinus surgery. The procedure doesn’t involve any incisions, resulting in faster recovery time.
During the procedure, a small balloon catheter is placed into the sinus area. The balloon is inflated to enlarge the sinus opening, and then a saline solution is used to flush out the inflamed area. The functions to compress tissues to widen your nasal passages, and allows for rinsing of the sinuses.
Turbinates are narrow bones in the nasal cavity that humidify and filter the air we breathe. However, turbinate hypertrophy (enlarged turbinates) can lead to breathing problems, sleep apnea, headaches, and snoring.
Dr. Zadeh performs turbinate reduction surgery to improve the flow of air without altering the function of your turbinates. When medication or non-surgical procedures are not effective, surgical reduction of your turbinates can be the appropriate procedure to alleviate your symptoms.
Polyps are benign growths in the nose that are often unnoticed until they obstruct nasal function or lead to pain or discomfort. They can be caused by allergies, bacterial or viral infections, or a response to fungi growing in the sinus cavities.
Nasal polyp surgery reduces the large polyps that obstruct breathing. Dr. Zadeh uses CT imaging technology as a guide to accurately reduce polyps without damaging the surrounding structure.
After having endoscopic sinus surgery, it is important to keep the airways open during the healing process so the nasal passages remain unobstructed after the procedure. The PROPEL sinus stent is inserted after the procedure to keep the nasal passages open and healing correctly.
The dissolvable device resembles a spring and helps the airway heal in a clear and open position to maintain improved function. The device also contains mometasone furoate, a drug that promotes faster healing. The drug is slowly released over the course of 30 days as the device dissolves.
In a small percentage of cases, sinus surgery may not be successful due to development of scar tissue or severe chronic sinusitis. If your initial surgery was performed by another doctor with limited results or that created further health issues, Dr. Zadeh can perform a revision surgery to correct problems in your nasal passages.
Further testing can be performed if needed, and Dr. Zadeh is sure to treat the cause of your condition, not just the immediate symptoms. Revision sinus surgery coupled with proper aftercare can lead to clear, unobstructed breathing.