Housatonic Valley News

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

Dr. Robert Weiss of CT ENT Sinus Center says people who suffer from allergies or other sinus problems should see a specialist because the solution may be simpler than they think and can make a huge difference in their life.

While many people are aware that dealing with allergy symptoms and common colds is more typical in the fall and winter, they may not realize that allergies and colds can develop into sinus infections, the Houston Chronicle reported. 

"I'd say the key takeaway is, if you've got any of these allergies or sinus or nasal problems, don't accept them as status quo," Weiss told Housatonic Valley News. "Get to an appropriate specialist who is very experienced in these areas and look into what can be done to help. Because a lot of times, there are things that can be done, and they're relatively easy to get done, and they can have a high impact on your symptoms and your quality of life."

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 consist of 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.

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.

CT ENT Sinus Center offers numerous testing and treatment options to provide lasting relief to people suffering from allergies and sinus problems. The practice offers the latest innovative treatments, such as balloon sinuplasty. The offices are located at Main Avenue, Route 7 in Norwalk and Summer Street in Stamford.

If you're interested in learning more about diagnosis or treatment of chronic sinusitis, please take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.