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Sinus and Allergy

The Basics

It has been estimated that 70% of Houstonians unnecessarily suffer from watery eyes, itchiness, nasal congestion, sneezing, post-nasal drip, sinus pressure, sinusitis or other allergy symptoms.

Many patients treat only their nasal allergies and sinusitis symptoms with medication without addressing the underlying cause of their recurrent problems. This results in needless constant suffering and worsening symptoms. Others may be given antibiotics or steroid injections several times for the same sinus infection year after year.

The Pasha Snoring and Sinus Center is designed for those of you who are looking for real, long-term solutions for their allergies or sinusitis from an experienced Houston ENT doctor. No gimmicks or short-lived interventions rather treatments that are holistic and scientifically based for meaningful improvement.

It is important that patients understand some basic Anatomy and Terms. The inside of your nose is complex. Many people become confused with the terms “sinusitis,” “allergy,” and “congestion,” often using the terms interchangeably when they are very different!

After scheduling your appointment, it would be worth your time to explore this website and gain some basic understandings. You will better appreciate your visit with Dr. Pasha and his staff as they will get deep into exploring your sinus and allergy issues.

Anatomy

There are a few key anatomical terms you should get to know.

The septum is the wall that divides the left and right side of the nose and if crooked, it is called a deviated nasal septum which may cause nasal obstruction or block your sinuses.

The turbinates are the fleshy shelves inside your nose that may become enlarged from a cold or allergy. When swollen, it is called turbinate hypertrophy which contributes to the sensation of nasal congestion or “stuffiness.”

The sinuses are air filled cavities in the skull and facial bones. You have four sinus cavities:

  1. Maxillary Sinuses: in the cheeks
  2. Ethmoid Sinuses: in the roof of nose
  3. Frontal Sinuses: in the forehead
  4. Sphenoid Sinuses: in the back of the nose
Close up of normal sinus illustration

Figure of the inside of your nose:

  1. Frontal Recess
  2. Middle Turbinate
  3. Inferior Turbinate
  4. Septum
  5. Frontal Sinuses
  6. Ethmoid Sinuses
  7. Maxillary Sinuses

Sphenoid Sinuses are located in the back of the nose (not in the figure).

Sinus & Allergy Terms

Sinusitis is inflammation (-itis) of the lining of the sinuses. Acute sinusitis is a short-term condition (<1-2 weeks) that responds well to antibiotics and decongestants. Acute sinusitis is often caused by a bacterial or viral infection and may be treated by your primary care provider. Chronic or Recurrent sinusitis is a long-term or recurrent condition caused by many potential factors such as allergies, nasal blockage, or nasal polyps that may require a combination of medical and surgical management. Chronic sinusitis is often not caused by infection and is treated inappropriately with recurrent antibiotics. Our clinic specializes in the comprehensive management of recurrent sinus issues and we have some of the most experienced Houston sinusitis doctors working here.

Sinusitis symptoms include:

  • Facial Pain or Pressure
  • Nasal Congestion
  • Post Nasal Drip
  • Loss of Smell (Anosmia)
  • Bad Breath/Bad Odor
  • Your sinuses cannot be seen in routine exams. If Dr. Pasha suspects you may be having recurrent sinus infections, he may order a CAT scan or CT scan, which is a detailed X-ray of the sinuses. He will also examine the inside of your nose painlessly with a microscope or endoscope in the office to evaluate the details of your septum, turbinates, and the opening of your sinuses.

Allergies or Allergic Rhinitis is a disorder that occurs when your body detects substances in the air called allergens. Your allergies occur when your body’s defense system mistakes harmless allergens (such as pollen, dust, or grass) for harmful antigens (such as bacteria). The symptoms of allergic rhinitis occur when a substance called histamine is released into the blood. The histamine causes the most common symptoms of allergies such as: runny nose, congestion and sneezing. Dr. Pasha is an experienced allergy doctor (allergist) serving the Houston area and he can help you get on the road to recovery from your allergies.

Vasomotor Rhinitis (VR) has similar symptoms to allergic rhinitis such as a runny nose or congestion. Dr. Pasha likes to use the term “hypersensitive nose” or “asthma of the nose” as it is more descriptive. VR is considered after you have ruled out other causes of a runny or stuffed up nose including allergy testing. Unlike allergic rhinitis, the stimulants of vasomotor rhinitis are things that cause everyone’s nose to react including pollution, changes in weather, heat, cold, exercise, food, or even stress. The problem is that VR patients’ responses are more exaggerated causing aggravating symptoms.

Normal sinus illustration
Left maxillary sinusitis illustration
Dr. Pasha talking about Sinus and allergies during Great Day Houston interview

Treatment for Snoring, Sinus, and Allergies

Dr. Pasha discusses Balloon Sinuplasty and other techniques to help you stop snoring.

Watch Here

comparison vs healthy and inflamed sinusitis illustration

Dr. Pasha and the Chamber of Sinuses

The nose is a fascinating part of the anatomy; you can breathe with it, smell with it, pick it, pierce it, you name it! But those things only scratch n’ sniff the surface. Your nose and the sinuses connected to it are more intricate than you probably realize.

Read More

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