South Louisiana News

• Early intervention for sinus patients can lead to a better quality of life, while also reducing health care costs.
• Untreated sinusitis can lead to serious infections and even vision loss.
• A minimally invasive treatment option for sinusitis is a balloon sinuplasty.

Dr. Adil Fatakia of ENT & Allergy of New Orleans said it's important to seek treatment for sinusitis early; otherwise you'll become accustomed to it and it could lead to more serious issues on.

An early intervention for sinus patients not only improves their immediate quality of life but also improves long-term relief and reduces health care costs, according to the Official Journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology. The earlier you get treated, the less you'll be spending on other problems that can result from having sinusitis.

"I think in relation to quality of life, (early intervention is) very important," Fatakia told South Louisiana News. "The sooner we can help diagnose the problem and help treat the problem, the longer you have to feel better and to feel like a new you. I think all too often, patients become accustomed to feeling subpar, and they assume it's just the way that they have to feel or the way that they are. Being in this situation makes them feel that they're living in a moldy house or the way it feels living with allergies in South Louisiana. And simply put, we really have wonderful ways to help people feel better, so nobody should feel like they have to feel subpar. They should come seek out treatment and see if we can help them."

According to Mayo Clinic, serious complications can result from untreated sinusitis, such vision loss or infections in the bones and skin.

A minimally invasive sinus treatment option, which comes with a quick recovery time, is a balloon sinuplasty. Healthline reported that balloon sinuplasty, also known as balloon catheter dilation surgery, is a procedure to clear blocked sinuses. 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.

After a balloon sinuplasty, many people are able to return to their regular activities within a day or two. Some people even drive themselves home from the procedure.

To learn more about the symptoms of sinusitis and allergies, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.