Nola Reporter

To ensure the safety of both patients and staff, ENT & Allergy of New Orleans announced the closure of all its offices on Wednesday, Sept. 11, in anticipation of Hurricane Francine, which is expected to make landfall in Louisiana that same day. The clinic’s team, including Dr. Adil Fatakia, Dr. Pippin and Dr. Thomas Irwin, will resume seeing patients on Thursday once the storm has passed.

According to Nola News, the rapidly developing storm, currently gaining strength in the Gulf of Mexico, is expected to bring significant rainfall, damaging winds, and potentially life-threatening storm surges to the region. Forecasters from the National Hurricane Center predict Hurricane Francine will hit as a Category 2 storm, with winds of up to 100 mph, particularly affecting central and southern Louisiana. Precautionary measures across the state, such as office closures and flood preparations, are being undertaken as residents brace for the storm’s impact.

For those already suffering from sinus issues or headaches, hurricanes can bring an added layer of discomfort. Barometric pressure changes, which occur during storm events like hurricanes, are known to trigger headaches, particularly for individuals prone to migraines or sinus pressure. This phenomenon, known as barotrauma, results from shifts in air pressure that can cause discomfort in the ear, sinus cavities, and head.

Studies have shown that sudden drops in barometric pressure can trigger headaches and migraines. As Hurricane Francine approaches and the atmospheric pressure decreases, some individuals may experience facial discomfort, sinus pain, or even teary eyes—symptoms often mistaken for a cold or allergy-related issues.

“Sinus headaches are a very general term for pressure pain located over the sinuses,” Dr. Fatakia told the Nola Reporter. “They can come from a lot of different sources, including migraine or other neurologic problems, or they can come from inflammation within the pair, [the] nasal sinuses themselves. I can't emphasize enough that the important thing to do is figure out where these headaches or facial pressure and pain are coming from so the underlying problem can be addressed instead of just continuing to put a Band-Aid on it with over-the-counter medicines.”

For those dealing with sinus pressure or headaches during the storm, experts suggest trying a few simple remedies: use gravity by reclining instead of lying flat, drink plenty of water, and apply a warm compress to the face to help relieve sinus pressure. If the symptoms persist after the storm, a consultation with an ENT specialist might be necessary to explore further treatment options.

While offices will be closed on Wednesday, Dr. Fatakia, Dr. Pippin, Dr. Irwin, and their staff will be back on Thursday, ready to assist patients in managing sinus conditions, allergies, and other health concerns.

According to ENT & Allergy of New Orleans' website, Dr. Adil Fatakia received his Bachelor of Science degree from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. He later earned his medical degree at the Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans. Dr. Fatakia completed a five-year residency program in head and neck surgery at Tulane University, followed by a fellowship in sinus and skull base surgery at the Sinus and Nasal Institute of Florida in St. Petersburg.