Maryland State Wire

• Both allergies and colds are more common in the fall and winter months.
• Allergies and colds can potentially develop into sinus infections.
• Capitol 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 likely 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 in order to treat an underlying condition, Locke said.

Balloon sinuplasty, also known as balloon catheter dilation surgery, is a procedure 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 of Houston.

"The ideal patient is an individual with recurring sinus infections that have been refractory to antibiotics, steroids, or they get better, but they continued to recur over a certain amount of time," Dr. Manish Khanna of Capitol Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers told Maryland State Wire. "That patient is also someone who's having sinus headaches and pressure who cannot tolerate flying, patients who have significant congestion and postnasal drip that it's been refractory to medical management. Those are your ideal patients for balloon sinus dilation."

Capitol Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers offers a variety of testing and treatment options to provide permanent relief to people who suffer from allergies and chronic sinus problems. The office is located on K Street in Washington, DC.

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