Sinusitis, also called sinus disease, is inflammation that affects the sinuses, hollow spaces in the skull connected to the nose. Sinus problems can cause a variety of symptoms, including congestion, facial pain or pressure, headaches, and difficulty breathing. In the southern United States, sinus disease and recurrent sinus infections are often related to allergies and can sometimes result in multiple sinus surgeries in an attempt to find relief.
At Lisa Hutto, MD: Allergy, Asthma & Sinus Disease in Columbia, South Carolina, we specialize in diagnosing and treating sinus diseases stemming from allergies. Dr. Lisa Hutto, an allergy and asthma care specialist, has extensive experience in her field, having graduated at the top of her medical class and dedicating her career to understanding the intricate link between allergies and sinus issues.
Recognizing the profound impact that unresolved sinus disease symptoms can have on one's quality of life, our practice is committed to offering comprehensive care. We work diligently to identify your underlying sinus infection allergy triggers and craft personalized treatment plans. Whether you're struggling with persistent sinus infections or want to understand the root cause of your sinus discomfort, Dr. Hutto and our dedicated team are here to help.
If you're experiencing chronic sinus problems and wish to explore targeted, effective solutions, schedule an appointment online with us today. Join the patients who have found relief under Dr. Hutto’s care, and take the first step towards a life free from sinus disease.
There are two main forms of sinus infections: they can be acute, lasting for a short period following a cold or allergy, or they can be chronic, persisting for more than three months despite treatment. Chronic sinus infections are also called sinusitis or sinus disease.
Sinusitis causes include viral infections, bacterial infections, allergies, and structural issues within the nasal passages that lead to blockages. In the southern United States, where allergies are prevalent due to the high pollen count and other environmental factors, sinus disease is often linked to allergens.
When patients visit Dr. Hutto, the focus is on a comprehensive evaluation to pinpoint the specific allergens or environmental factors contributing to their sinus disease.This will include extensive skin testing to grass, tree and weed pollens as well as mold spores, dust mites and animal dander. AN extensive environmental survey is also done to reveal significant exposures to both allergens and chemical irritants that can contribute to sinus disease. This may involve indoor air quality (IAQ) testing to detect poor air quality present in a patient's environment that could be exacerbating their condition. By identifying these triggers, Dr. Hutto can create a targeted plan to reduce or eliminate exposure, addressing one of the primary causes of the patient’s sinus issues.
For individuals with repeated sinus infections and sinus surgery, a series of blood tests can be done to evaluate how well a patient’s humoral immune system is fighting common infections like sinusitis. This is a much rarer cause of recurrent sinus infections but in severe cases is indicated to test for.
For individuals with allergies contributing to their sinus disease, allergy shots can desensitize the body’s response to these triggers. Over time, these shots can significantly reduce the patient’s allergic reactions, leading to fewer instances of nasal and sinus inflammation, in turn decreasing the symptoms and frequency of sinus infections. This treatment has been instrumental for many of Dr. Hutto’s patients, dramatically reducing their need for sinus infection medication and, in some cases, preventing further sinus surgeries.
Patients suffering from chronic sinus disease may find themselves in a cycle of repeated courses of antibiotics or even facing the prospect of surgery to alleviate blockages and infections. However, by focusing on the underlying causes of sinusitis, such as allergies, and making environmental adjustments based on an IAQ survey and possible IAQ testing, Dr. Hutto aims to break this cycle. This not only can lead to a significant decrease in symptoms but also enhances the overall quality of life for her patients.
The sinuses are air-filled spaces within the skull connected to the nose. When these spaces become repeatedly inflamed, often due to chronic sinus infections, it is known as sinus disease or sinusitis. This condition can cause a range of symptoms, including congestion, facial pain or pressure, headaches, and difficulty breathing.
For people who have allergies, allergens can trigger inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages, which in turn can lead to sinusitis. In South Carolina, where allergies are prevalent due to environmental factors like high pollen counts, chronic sinus infections are more common, but luckily, can be treated without the need for surgery.
The most effective treatment for sinus infections depends on the underlying cause. For individuals with allergies, allergy shots can help desensitize the body's response to allergens and reduce instances of nasal and sinus inflammation. Additionally, making environmental adjustments based on IAQ surveys and testing can also improve symptoms and overall quality of life.
Our online scheduling tool makes booking an appointment with a specialist like Dr. Hutto simple! Or, if you prefer to speak with someone directly, you can give us a call during our office hours. We look forward to helping you find relief!