West Florida News

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

While many people know that experiencing allergy symptoms and common 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.

"The best way to diagnose sino-nasal diseases is by a physical exam and getting a good history," Dr. Matthew Blair of Gulf Coast Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers told West Florida News. "What are your sinus symptoms? Trouble breathing through your nose? Is purulent discharge coming from your nose? Is it headaches? And then once we get a good look inside the nose -- it takes probably about 15 seconds to see how that nasal anatomy looks -- if you have any signs of infection during times of inflammatory disease, then we get that information. We usually get a CT scan to see what is happening inside the sinus. We have a CT scanner in the office, a scan takes less than 10 minutes, and the radiation is minimal. We can get a good general view with those three things. We can do all of those in one office visit, which is very nice and convenient for the patients."

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 during that time period, although they may experience some swelling for up to a week, according to Dr. Michael Eisemann at Eisemann Plastic Surgery Center in Houston.

Gulf Coast Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers offers a variety of ear, nose and throat (ENT) treatments to help provide permanent relief to patients suffering from allergies, sinus problems and sleep apnea. The practice offers the latest innovative solutions, such as balloon sinuplasty procedures. The office is located on Spanish Trail in Pensacola, Florida.

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