Fall is just around the corner. That means the beginning of ragweed season. It is also the time that mold from falling leaves and other outdoor environmental allergies will be in the air. If your allergies cause you to suffer from sinusitis each year, it might be time to talk to the ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist about balloon sinus surgery.

How allergies cause sinusitis

If you have uncontrolled seasonal allergies, you are a prime candidate for sinusitis. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinus cavities. It can occur when allergies cause the nasal and sinus tissues to swell.  The “hairs” that line these areas are not able to properly sweep germs and debris towards the back of the throat.

Because it is a warm, damp environment it is perfect for bacteria. The bacteria lead to infection and this leads to more mucous production and the swelling in the sinuses keeps the infectious material from draining properly.

What started as an allergy attack has blown up into the pain, pressure and headache associated with sinusitis. You may run a fever or have a bad taste in your mouth or bad breath. You can try over the counter decongestants as a temporary solution but what you really need is permanent relief.

How balloon sinus surgery helps

Balloon sinus surgery is a procedure that can be performed to permanently restore proper drainage of the sinus passages. If your sinuses are draining properly, then you are better prepared to handle the onslaught of fall pollen. While it can’t stop the actual allergy attack, it can help with how your body responds.

Proper sinus drainage can help keep a seasonal allergy attack from escalating into full-blown sinusitis or even chronic sinusitis that lasts all winter long. So bring it on pollen you will be prepared!

Talk to the ENT

If your fall allergies lead to sinusitis or chronic sinusitis year after year, then it’s time to talk to the ENT about balloon sinus surgery. This simple procedure can be performed in the office under local anesthesia, has a minimal recovery time, is covered by most insurance and can restore proper drainage and put an end to your misery this fall.

Ask the ENT about balloon sinus surgery, you have nothing to lose but the pain from sinusitis.