PHX Reporter

• Early intervention for sinus patients can lead to a better quality of life, while also reducing health care costs.
• Untreated sinusitis can lead to serious infections and even vision loss.
• A minimally invasive treatment option for sinusitis is a balloon sinuplasty.

Early intervention is key when it comes to sinus issues, according to Dr. John Stewart of Arizona Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers. That's why it's important to see a specialist before issues worsen and become more difficult to take care of.

Stewart pointed out that treating any sinus problem head-on, as early as possible, could lead to an easier solution and easier recovery.

“Some of us want to wait for a four-alarm fire before we seek help,” Stewart told PHX Reporter. “Obviously, it takes a lot more effort, recovery and treatment to handle a problem if you waited longer than you should.”

According to the results of a study published by the Official Journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology, early intervention could result in an improved quality of life, providing long-term relief and cutting costs for health care. The study also noted the earlier a patient is treated, the less they may spend later on treating issues connected to sinusitis. Stewart said this applies to any medical issue.

“[Be aware of] the first symptoms that don’t make sense to you, that are abnormal for your body,” he said. “I think it does require investigation, especially if it seems like it's not responding to what you think would be normal treatment.”

Stewart also noted that giving a condition time to improve without intervention is risky.

“Any problem should be dealt with as quickly as possible,” he said. “You don't have to run in [to see a doctor] the day that you get a sniffle. But certainly [do so] if something is lingering and not getting better, and you've done some reasonable remedies at home. Get it checked out and taken care of."

According to Mayo Clinic, left untreated, sinusitis can lead to severe complications, which can include vision loss or infections in the skin and bones.

Healthline reported that balloon sinuplasty, a minimally invasive sinus treatment option with a quick recovery period, can clear blocked sinuses. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the procedure in 2005, and it is also known as the “smart sinus” procedure.

Following the procedure, patients can often return to their normal lifestyle after a day or two, and some patients may even drive themselves home following the procedure, according to Healthline.

To learn more about the symptoms of sinusitis and allergies, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.