Allergy or Sinusitis?

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.Book an AppointmentRef:  Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America