Most people appreciate this time of year, and many of them spend far more time outdoors than they did during the winter months.
But if you have allergies in, springtime can be a very different experience for you. Instead of embracing the sight of plants and flowers, you may need to hide from them to minimize allergy symptoms. Or, you may find yourself with symptoms no matter how careful you are or how hard you try to avoid exposure to your triggers.
Some allergens can trigger sinusitis
Not all allergens trigger symptoms of sinusitis, but many of the ones you may be exposed to on a daily basis can cause sinusitis. Hay fever and allergies to mold and pets are the allergic conditions that are most likely to cause sinusitis. Eczema and ear and lung infections often go along with sinusitis caused by these allergens. Allergic fungal sinusitis is sinusitis caused by a mold allergy.
Know the symptoms of sinusitis
Sinusitis is the inflammation of the sinuses, or cavities around your nasal passageways. They can become swollen and block your passageways. The blockage is what causes the symptoms that may already be familiar to you.
Classic symptoms of sinusitis include pain or swelling around your cheese, eyes, and forehead, congestion that makes it hard to breathe through your nose, and a thick yellow-green discharge from your nose or in your throat. You can also have trouble tasting and smelling as well as you do when you do not have sinusitis, as well as have a sore throat and a cough that is worse at night.
Recognize when you may need balloon sinuplasty
You may need balloon sinuplasty if you have tried other remedies for sinusitis and they have not worked, but you are not ready to commit to a more invasive procedure such as endoscopic sinusitis surgery. Resting, drinking fluids, and using a warm compress are some home remedies to try, while conservative medical approaches include prescription medications such as corticosteroids and nasal sprays.
Balloon sinuplasty is a longer lasting solution to sinusitis compared to those conservative treatments. Unlike traditional sinusitis surgery, you do not usually need to go to a hospital or have general anesthesia for balloon sinuplasty. Dr. Aaron Fletcher can perform the procedure at our office in to help you feel more comfortable the entire time. Get the help you need today.