Mold allergy, sinus infection, hay fever, whatever the trigger – sinusitis is
unfortunately an autumn staple in NYC.  Spurred by the body’s reaction to bacterial infiltration or allergic reaction, the sinus cavities become inflamed and swollen causing painful, pressure in the face.  Sinusitis causes nasal congestion,  from excess mucus and the swollen nasal membranes, much like a cold.  As a matter of fact, sinusitis feels like a cold you just can’t beat. The body may mount an immune response, adding fever and fatigue to the discomfort of congestion.

How is sinusitis treated? After proper exam, if the diagnosis is chronic sinusitis, antibiotic therapy and/or a corticosteroid nasal spray may be provided for treatment.  Antibiotics treat the infection and the steroid treats the inflammation.

If you have reoccurring sinus infections, or sinus condition that seems to defy treatment, call my office for a consultation.  Treatment and relief are within reach, same day appointments are available.

I’ve created a library of health related videos, focusing on Allergy, Asthma, Sinus and Immunological conditions as well as research and new developments pertaining to these concerns.  I invite you to Subscribe and welcome your feedback!

Children receiving an adenoidectomy to lessen chances of respiratory system infections, like sinusitis and colds, do not experience fewer incidents of these infections, according to research released in the British Medical Journal.

Before considering surgery for your child, consult an allergist.  Chronic sinus conditions can be triggered by an allergic condition that will not be cured by surgery.  View Chronic Sinusitis for a background on the condition.

From the full text:

Results: During the median follow-up of 24 months, there were 7.91 episodes of upper respiratory tract infections per person year in the adenoidectomy group and 7.84 in the watchful waiting group (difference in incidence rate 0.07, 95% confidence interval −0.70 to 0.85). No relevant differences were found for days of upper respiratory tract infections and middle ear complaints with fever in episodes and days, nor for health related quality of life. The prevalence of upper respiratory tract infections decreased over time in both groups. Children in the adenoidectomy group had significantly more days with fever than the children in the watchful waiting group. Two children had complications related to surgery.

Conclusion: In children selected for adenoidectomy for recurrent upper respiratory tract infections, a strategy of immediate surgery confers no clinical benefits over a strategy of initial watchful waiting.

Read the Full Text of the Study

Wall Street Journal writer Laura Johannes reports today on the benefits of endoscopic sinus surgery.

Sinus pain can be debilitating when your sinuses are continually blocked and you suffer from daily misery. It is important to note however that the success of the procedure to remove bone and tissue to treat sinus pain has been met with mixed reviews in scientific studies.

Sinus surgery used to be done by cutting through the face, but today it is mostly done by sticking a thin flexible tube called an endoscope up the nostrils.

Before considering surgery, consult an allergist.  Chronic sinusitis may stem from untreated allergies.  Watch this video for more information

Call my office and we can discuss a non surgical solution to a troubled sinus condition, 866-632-5537.

A survey by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) determined that many people who self diagnose mistake allergies for sinusitis, confusing the symptoms of sinusitis with those of allergies and as a result they suffer longer than if a they would’ve received a proper medical diagnosis from a doctor.

Of the 621 people surveyed, approximately 70% of sinusitis trust a primary care doctor to correctly diagnose symptoms, but only 36% saw one for help.

Survey findings:

• 47% of respondents with sinusitis admit to self-diagnosing when they have symptoms.
• 37% are doing more self-diagnosing now than they were five years ago.
• 41% of those who say it is not easy to distinguish signs of allergies from signs of sinusitis still go ahead and diagnose themselves when they have symptoms.
• 51% admit they have misdiagnosed themselves as suffering from allergies when the cause turned out to be sinusitis.
• 39% say they think it’s hard to tell the difference between the symptoms of a cold, flu, allergies, and sinusitis.
• 55% of people who have heard of chronic sinusitis underestimate the minimum number of weeks this condition may last; 39% admit they don’t have a clue about duration.
• Only 26% of respondents who had heard of chronic sinusitis were aware that a minimally invasive treatment option exists for the condition.

“If you have allergy-like symptoms that last longer than 12 weeks, or symptoms that occur more than three times per year, with symptoms usually lasting more than 20 days despite treatment attempts, you may have chronic sinusitis and should see a doctor for a correct diagnosis and the right medical solution,” Mike Tringale, vice president of external affairs at the AAFA says.

Are you are self diagnosing your “allergy” symptoms?

If allergy medications aren’t treating your symptoms, or leaving you drowsy, call my office for a consultation.  You don’t have to suffer with an allergy or sinus condition.  I’ve been treating NYC residents for 27 years. Together we can improve the quality of your life.  You can get out and enjoy NY in the spring.

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Ref:  Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America

Many people have begun the ritual of spring cleaning. As rugs are being shaken and curtains refreshed, allergy suffers and those with chronic lung disease should heed not only winter’s mantel of dust and mold but also the cleaning products used to welcome springtime into their households.

This article from MonsteresandCritics relays the danger allergens and household cleaners pose to those with allergic conditions and chronic lung conditions, like asthma and bronchitis. Allergens and cleaners will irritate overly sensitive bronchial tubes and airways may cause sneezing attacks, coughing and difficulty breathing.

The article suggests dampening dust rags which will reduce the amount of dust that becomes airborne and to combat the production of mold by monitoring humidity present to proactively prohibit the growth of mold.  Also, clean with windows open, to keep fresh air circulating about, as well as reducing the strength of cleaners.  Use a mask to reduce the inhalation of these irritants and allergens.

If you suffer from the illnesses of spring cleaning, or experience sneezing fits, coughing and trouble breathing – please seek help.  The basis of your symptoms cannot be found without proper examination and tests. There is help available. Visit nycallergydoctor.com or contact me (866) 632-5537 for a consultation.  Together we’ll devise a plan that will enable you to breathe easier and enjoy the change in weather – even find pleasure in those tasks well done.

New Canadian Clinical Practice Guidelines for Acute and Chronic Rhinosinusitis are the first in the world to contain an evidence-based strategy for managing and treating chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), a disease that is emerging as an area of unmet medical need.  The Guidelines, prepared by leading Canadian multidisciplinary medical experts, are co-published in the Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology (http://www.aacijournal.com/content/7/1/2) and the Journal of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.

“Initially considered a chronic bacterial infection, CRS is now recognized as its own clinical entity, and as such, it is no longer reasonable to manage CRS as a prolonged version of ABRS,” said Dr. Paul Keith, Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, McMaster University, Hamilton.  “The need to define specific therapeutic strategies adapted to the pathogenesis was long overdue – the Guidelines now recognize, and set out, more appropriate treatment options and approaches that are required in today’s environment.”

Read entire PR here

For over 20 years I’ve provided successful sinusitis treatments to my patients as they attest in my hundreds of postiive service reviews.  Live in the NYC area, give me a call 866-632-5537.

We understand the atmospheric changes of Winter.  These changes can cause aggravated sinuses.  Occasional sinusitis can be irritating, characterized with sneezing and breathing difficulties. Even sense of taste can be affected.

If you suffer from chronic sinusitis, your condition should be evaluated by your health care provider.

Occasional winter sinus can be prevented by precautionary methods like proper diet and nutrition. Adequate rest and sleep are also beneficial.

Here are a few natural remedies that may provide relief for occasional sinus pain:

• Acupressure

Apply pressure to pressure point connected to the sinus, press is the sides of your nose near the nostrils. You can use your fingers to press them simultaneously.

• Water Steam and Hot Water

Boil clean water in a kettle, you can add few drops of eucalyptus or tea oil. Be very careful to avoid high temperature burns, remove kettle from heat . Position your face comfortably near the exit of the steam and inhale it. Steam can relax your nasal passage and provide relief from difficulty of breathing. It can also help loosen sticky mucus so that it can be easily expelled.

• Plenty of Water and Juice Intake

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water,  fruit juices (especially those rich in vitamin C).  Apple and dark grape juice are recommended.

• Breathing Exercises

Inhale, exhale, hold, inhale, hold, and exhale. This can help improve your breathing and clear your air passage. Do this regularly, it can help you breath easily and relieve congestion.

• Adequate Rest and Sleep

8 hours of sleep and adequate rest can help relieve the symptoms of sinus.

Again, chronic sinusitis must be treated by your health care provider.  If you’d like a consultation to relieve your sinus condition, please contact me.

Learn more about Sinusitis from the Mayo Clinic.

Questions arise quite often about the use of Air Filters in the treatment of allergies and asthma.  Below are excerpts from Asthma Allergy Foundation of American discussion regarding the use of Air Filters in the home.

What Do I Need to Know About Air Filters?

When we think of air pollution, we usually associate it with outdoor air. But with the growing epidemic of asthma in the United States in the last 20 years, especially among infants and children who spend most of their time inside, much attention has been given to indoor air. In fact, in 1990 the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ranked indoor air pollution as “a high priority public health risk.”

The EPA recommends three strategies for reducing indoor air pollution:

• Controlling sources of pollution,
• Ventilating adequately and
• Cleaning indoor air.

Before you make any changes to your indoor home environment or purchase any air filtration products, make sure to speak with a doctor who knows your personal medical history and current condition.

Will Air Filters Really Help my Asthma or Allergies?

Although the EPA recommends air filtration, controlling the sources of allergy-causing pollution and ventilation are more important. Air filters are worth considering, but not as a solution to your asthma or allergy problems by themselves. In fact, research studies disagree on whether or not filters give much added relief in a clean and well-ventilated home.

While many allergens and irritants are suspended in household air, there are far more resting on surfaces like rugs, furniture and countertops. Keeping these areas clean is an important step in controlling your allergy and asthma triggers. However, the most effective step is to eliminate the source of these allergens and irritants in the first place.

It is important to note that an Air Filter is not a solution to allergies or asthma, but rather a mechanism to reduce particulate matter in the air.

If you are thinking about buying a filter, here are several questions to consider:

Questions to Ask Before Purchasing an Air Filter

• What substances will the cleaner remove from the air in my home? What substances will it not?
• What is the efficiency rating of the cleaner in relation to the “true HEPA” standard?
• Will the unit clean the air in a room the size of my bedroom?
• How easy/difficult is it to change the filter? (Ask for demonstration.) How often does it have to be changed? How much do filters cost? Are they readily available throughout the year?
• How much noise does the unit make? Is it quiet enough to run while I sleep? (Turn it on and try it, even though you will probably be in a noisy place.)

Before making an Air Filter purchase to relieve health conditions, please consult your health care provider.

The topic of Nasal Irrigation has resurfaced as a popular solution to sinus problems.  At the University of Wisconsin – Madison,  Dr. David  Rabago has conducted  four studies observing people with chronic sinus symptoms.  In his findings, those subjects who consistently practiced nasal irrigation reported a decrease in symptoms (congestion, runny nose), an increased quality of life and a reduced use of nasal sprays and antibiotics.  From Dr. Rabago:

“(Some study participants) said that while nasal irrigation is effective, it’s not very natural and takes a little bit of determination for the first or second use.  After that it becomes progressively easier and people begin to view this as a normal part of their daily hygiene routine. They brush their teeth, they wash their face, they rinse their nose.”

Some sinus problems may contribute to a breakdown in the normal function and protective role of the nasal cavity. The purpose of the lining of the nasal cavity is to protect the upper respiratory system from infection by viruses and bacteria.  If the mucosa is deficit to the task, sinus symptoms may result.

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology recognizes that people with chronic or acute sinus infections may produce excessive mucus and sinus rinses can be helpful to remove or thin out secretions.  These solutions may also rinse out allergens, irritants, and germs removing possible triggers that bother people with sinus and rhinitis problems.

It is most important to note that with any medical product, be sure to speak to your doctor before beginning any such treatment.  Seek the counsel of your allergy/immunology specialist for advise and information regarding nasal irrigation.  Do not embark on any plan of treatment without first consulting your health care provider.

If you are in the NYC area and experience reoccurring, chronic nasal congestion call me for an appointment.  I will be happy to discuss a plan of treatment so that you can breathe easier.  Reach me at nycallergydoctor.com or at 866.632.5537

For more on Dr. Rabaga read Nasal Irrigation Helps Control Sinus Problems

Review Nasal Irrigation on AAAAI