Find the Relief You Deserve
Dealing with allergies or sinusitis can be highly uncomfortable, but getting the right treatment starts with an accurate diagnosis. Dr. Monica Tadros takes the time to thoroughly evaluate each patient, ensuring every detail is considered. This careful assessment allows her to determine if sinus surgery or another treatment option is the best path forward for relief.
Sinusitis vs. Allergies
Sinusitis and allergies share similar symptoms, with nasal congestion being the most common. However, the underlying causes differ.
Allergies cause nasal congestion as the body's response to flush out allergens. At the Center for Facial Plastic Surgery in NJ and NYC, Dr. Monica Tadros specializes in treating sinus and allergy issues. She offers solutions to alleviate symptoms and improve sinus structure to manage allergy-related problems.
Sinusitis, on the other hand, occurs when an infection develops in the sinuses. Normally, air flows freely through the nose, but when it is congested, bacteria can become trapped in mucus, leading to infection. Nasal congestion may result from allergies, a cold, or structural issues like a deviated septum.
While both sinusitis and allergies can be uncomfortable, determining the root cause is essential for effective treatment. Dr. Tadros provides expert evaluations to diagnose the source of discomfort, exploring options like sinus surgery when necessary.
How Common Is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis affects approximately 35 million Americans annually, making it a widespread condition.
Symptoms of Allergies vs. Sinusitis
Although allergies and sinusitis share overlapping symptoms, subtle differences can help distinguish them.
Allergy Symptoms:
- Sneezing
- Itchy eyes
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Itchy throat
Allergies often occur during specific seasons, such as spring, when tree pollen is prevalent. According to the ACAAI, 40% of children and 30% of adults are affected by pollen allergies.
Sinusitis Symptoms:
- Nasal congestion or runny nose
- Loss of smell
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Facial pressure or a feeling of congestion
Differentiating Allergies from Sinusitis
Allergy symptoms typically appear immediately after exposure to an allergen. In contrast, sinusitis often develops after a cold or allergic reaction. Once the cold subsides, sinusitis symptoms may persist.
Acute vs. Chronic Sinusitis
The duration of symptoms determines the type of sinusitis:
- Acute Sinusitis: Symptoms last less than four weeks.
- Chronic Sinusitis: Symptoms persist for over four months.
Treating Allergies
Allergies can often be managed with medications such as antihistamines or corticosteroids. For individuals with chronic allergies, allergy shots may be recommended. This involves gradually introducing allergens to the body to build tolerance, similar to vaccination.
Dr. Tadros offers personalized treatment plans to address seasonal or chronic allergies, tailoring care to meet each patient’s unique needs.
How Is Sinusitis Treated?
Sinusitis can often be managed with antihistamines or nasal sprays. However, it's important to limit nasal spray use to no more than 3-4 days to prevent your body from building a tolerance. If these conservative treatments prove ineffective, balloon sinuplasty surgery may be a viable option for relief.
For cases of sinusitis caused by structural issues, such as nasal polyps or a deviated septum, surgical intervention may be necessary. Our highly skilled plastic surgeon in Manhattan specializes in treating sinusitis through corrective surgical procedures to address the root cause.
Contact us today to learn more!