Does it seem like your sinus issues are getting worse every year?

This is a very common complaint for Austin’s sinus sufferers. The over the counter medicines just don’t seem to provide the relief they did just a few years ago and the prescription medicines may not be providing the relief you expected. There are several explanations for this common complaint. Allergies do actually worsen over time. Allergy is a strong immune response to the allergen. Subsequent exposure year after year can cause a progressively stronger immune response. Starting on effective allergy therapy prior to your bad season is much more effective than trying to catch up once you are already suffering. Immunotherapy can also be a big help to provide a reduced immune response. Anatomical problems in the nose also tend to worsen over time. Even a small nasal injury many years ago can result in progressive deviation of the septum inside the nose and progressive swelling of the turbinates as well. The space for air to pass freely can be reduced each year making the medicines feel less effective. An evaluation by an ENT doctor can answer whether the anatomy may be the main issue. Correction with minor surgical procedures is quick and easy with modern techniques. Your worsening sinus complaints can actually be an ongoing chronic sinus infection. It’s hard for the patient to tell the difference between chronic infection and allergies and the proper treatment plan is completely different. If allergy therapy that previously provided relief isn’t working, it is worthwhile to consider sinusitis as the possible diagnosis. A MiniCat xray can be performed in an office setting to rule out sinusitis. Anatomical issues would also be identified with this image. Therapy can be provided specific to the bacteria or mold infection based upon cultures performed in an office setting. Like my professor used to say..”if its hard you are doing it wrong”. If you aren’t getting the response you need from your sinus complaints, consider these possible causes to find your solution. Daniel Slaughter, MD