Nola Reporter

• One of the main triggers of sinusitis is allergies, and summer allergies are right around the corner.
• There are minimally invasive treatment options available to sinusitis sufferers.
• Dr. Adil Fatakia and his team at ENT & Allergy of New Orleans can help to nip your sinusitis and allergy issues in the bud before they cancel your summer plans.

Summer is quickly approaching, and it's almost time for traveling, backyard barbecues and spending time in the warm weather. Unfortunately, sinusitis and allergies can put a damper on your summer plans. 

Dr. Adil Fatakia of ENT & Allergy of New Orleans said one of the biggest triggers of sinusitis is allergies, which is why it's important to see a specialist before summer is in full swing, so you can feel at your best this upcoming season. 

"Allergies and sinus problems go hand-in-hand," Fatakia said. "As many assume, allergies can be the source of sinus issues. Allergies can create sinus blockage that results in a need to pursue some kind of surgical or in-office intervention. Allergies can also exacerbate or make sinus symptoms worse. This includes itchy, watery eyes, scratchy mouth; nasal congestion; runny nose. Also, there can be alterations in sense of smell and hearing."

Although spring allergies might be minimized as trees and flowers are done blooming, summer allergies caused by weeds and grasses are the next thing to worry about. One of the most common allergy triggers in the summer is ragweed, which doesn't only affect the areas it grows in, as it can travel hundreds of miles on the wind, according to WebMD.

There are minimally invasive treatment options that can help your sinusitis and summer allergies, one of which is a balloon sinuplasty. A balloon sinuplasty is an in-office procedure that's simple and only takes about an hour, according to sinussurgeryoptions.com. The preparation takes about 30 minutes and involves anesthetics being applied to the nose for more comfort. A thin instrument with a balloon is then guided through your sinus, the balloon is gently inflated for five seconds with saline, and when your sinuses open, the balloon is removed.

Fatakia and his team at ENT & Allergy of New Orleans can help to treat your sinus issues before they put a damper on your plans this summer. They offer balloon sinuplasty, as well as the most advanced medical and surgical care for all conditions of the ears, nose and throat. This includes sinus infections, allergies, and sleep apnea and snoring. 

They have offices throughout the greater New Orleans area in Marrero, Metairie, and Hammond, Louisiana, and can help treat patients of all ages.

Take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz to test your sinus symptoms.