Pinellas Times

• Both allergies and colds are more common in the fall and winter months.
• Allergies and colds can potentially develop into sinus infections.
• Tampa Bay Breathe Free offers a range of solutions to treat the underlying conditions causing allergies or sinus infections.

Dr. Mariah Pate of Tampa Bay Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers says a simple procedure to correct sinus problems can have a major, positive impact on the patient's quality of life.

While many people know that experiencing allergy symptoms is more common in the fall and winter, they may not realize that allergies and colds can sometimes develop into sinus infections, the Houston Chronicle reported. 

"I don't think a lot of people realize what their sinuses do for them, as far as when you don't feel well," Pate told Pinellas Times. "There's so many people who are living life with congestion, facial pressure and a runny nose, and they're just making the movements. People aren't living life to the fullest. They're able to get by day-to-day. They can go to work, but they're not fully present. They're not there with their family. They're not sleeping well. My favorite thing is finding a way to help them, doing procedures and using medications to help them breathe better -- and feel better so they're really able to live life to the fullest."

Allergies, colds and sinus infections have many of the same symptoms, so it can be difficult to distinguish between them. Dr. Tran Locke, an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist who practices at Baylor College of Medicine, said that if symptoms such as congestion last longer than 10 days, it might be time to see a doctor to determine whether a sinus infection has developed. Other symptoms could include a feeling of pressure in the face, a decreased sense of smell, tooth pain or a fever. 

Many patients can resolve their symptoms through medication, but for some, a minimally invasive surgery might be the best option to treat an underlying condition.

Balloon sinuplasty, also known as balloon catheter dilation surgery, is a procedure used to clear blocked sinuses, according to Healthline. This surgery is relatively new, having been approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2005. It’s also commonly referred to as the “smart sinus” procedure.

A balloon sinuplasty procedure lasts 10 to 15 minutes, and patients typically recover within one to two days. Most patients can resume their normal activities during that time period, although they may experience some swelling for up to a week, according to Dr. Michael Eisemann of Eisemann Plastic Surgery Center in Houston.

Tampa Bay Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers offers comprehensive care to treat patients suffering from allergies, sinusitis and ear and throat disorders. The office is located on 54th Avenue in St. Petersburg, Florida.

If you're interested in learning more about diagnosis or treatment of chronic sinusitis, please take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.