Stephen M. Bane, an ENT Specialist at Capitol Breathe Free Sinus and Allergy, said many people delay treatment for nasal issues for years, believing their symptoms are normal until they experience improvement after intervention.
“Like most people, it doesn’t happen all of a sudden. It happens gradually,” said M. Bane, according to Instagram. “I just thought it was a normal part of life, and I could live with it. Most people, they say the average is five years before they come in for an evaluation. Then they’re like, oh my god, I wish I did this sooner.”
According to Health.com, chronic sinusitis is characterized by inflammation of the sinuses lasting at least 12 consecutive weeks. It often develops slowly over time rather than presenting with an acute onset. Common symptoms include nasal obstruction, facial tenderness or pressure, and a reduced sense of smell, which may persist without significant variation for months. These symptoms can remain at a consistent severity, contributing to delays in diagnosis and treatment by healthcare professionals.
A study published in the World Journal of Otorhinolaryngology found that many patients experience chronic rhinosinusitis symptoms for several years before seeking specialty care. The prolonged interval is often due to symptom misattribution to seasonal allergies or recurring viral infections, leading patients to self-manage without formal medical evaluation. This pattern contributes to underdiagnosis and extended periods of diminished quality of life due to unresolved sinus inflammation.
Delayed intervention for chronic rhinosinusitis has been linked with greater healthcare utilization and poorer outcomes in quality-of-life domains, including sleep, work performance, and general physical health. A study in the Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology compared early versus late treatment groups and reported more favorable improvements in symptom relief among those who received timely care. Participants who postponed treatment reported extended symptom duration and were more likely to have repeated healthcare visits related to unresolved sinus issues.
Dr. Stephen M. Bane is a board-certified otolaryngologist and former U.S. Navy flight surgeon who has practiced ENT medicine for over three decades. He completed his general surgery training at NYU and Bellevue Hospitals. Dr. Bane has held leadership roles including Chairman of the Surgical Department and was recognized as a “Top Doctor” by Northern Virginia Magazine in 2020.
Capitol Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers is a medical practice specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of sinus and allergy conditions. The clinic offers services such as balloon sinuplasty, allergy testing, and immunotherapy, with locations in Arlington and Woodbridge, Virginia.
