Housatonic Valley News

• Connecticut allergies can be an issue from early March, all the way through late October.

• If you struggle with sinusitis, it's encouraged to get tested for allergies by an ENT doctor.

• For those diagnosed with allergies, there are minimally invasive treatment options available that can lead to a better quality of life.

With Connecticut allergies running for about eight months consecutively, it's likely that those with sinusitis are having to deal with extra inflammation, especially in the more triggering months. Dr. Robert Weiss, of CT ENT, said allergy testing is significantly easier than it used to be, which is why those who struggle in the area are encouraged to seek treatment.

"There's a relationship between allergies and chronic sinus problems," Weiss said. "The way to diagnose allergies, though, has come a long way in the last few decades. We use a method, the official term for it is called MQT, and this is a modified blend of different techniques. The nice thing about it is usually, within 30 minutes to 45 minutes, we can get an answer, and we don't have to have the patient come back the next day."

Allergies in Connecticut can run from early March through late October, according to Wyndly. They noted that the main things to look out for this time of year are different types of grasses, as well as weeds.

The 50 million Americans who suffer from seasonal allergies might experience sneezing, coughing, congestion, itchy eyes, a runny nose and fatigue, according to Yale Medicine. People who need to undergo testing for allergies typically have two options. One option is is a skin prick test, during which a doctor will insert a tiny amount of potential allergens under the skin of the patient's upper arm. The skin will become red and swollen if the patient has an allergy, and patients typically have their results within one to two days. 

The other option is a blood test, during which the patient's blood is drawn and tested for allergens in a lab. Although this testing method takes longer, it allows doctors to test for more allergens than during a skin test, according to Yale Medicine.

Symptoms of allergies can vary depending on the specific substance and may impact various parts of your body, including your airways, sinuses, nasal passages, skin and digestive system, according to Mayo Clinic. Allergic responses can span a spectrum from mild to severe, and can include sneezing, an itchy or runny nose and watery or swollen eyes.

For patients dealing with allergies, there are minimally invasive treatment options available that can give them a better quality of life. One of these treatment options is the balloon sinuplasty, which is a safe and minimally invasive procedure utilized by surgeons to address chronic sinusitis, according to Nuffield Health. During the process, doctors insert a guide wire equipped with a small balloon into the nostrils and navigate it to the area of blockage.