Sunshine Sentinel

Sierra Corbin, a physician assistant at Gulf Coast Breathe Free, explained that if allergy medications do not provide relief, sinusitis could be present and may require treatment. She shared this insight in an Instagram post on November 17.

"Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses," said Corbin, according to Instagram. "allergies can cause that, but treating allergies should respond to allergy medications, antihistamines and things like that. If you take antihistamines, if you use allergy nasal sprays and you don't seem to feel improvement in your symptoms, then you probably also have sinusitis that needs addressing."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sinusitis is the inflammation of the sinuses, which are air-filled cavities in the skull that help filter and humidify the air we breathe. It can be caused by infections, allergies, or environmental irritants, leading to symptoms like nasal congestion, facial pain, headache, and thick nasal discharge. Acute sinusitis typically resolves with treatment, while chronic sinusitis, lasting more than 12 weeks, may require more intensive medical management such as nasal corticosteroids, antibiotics, or surgery.

Chronic sinusitis affects approximately 11.6% of U.S. adults or nearly 28.9 million individuals. This condition significantly impacts quality of life by causing prolonged discomfort, sleep disturbances, and difficulty breathing. Studies suggest that chronic sinusitis can also contribute to fatigue and cognitive impairment as persistent inflammation affects overall well-being. Many patients continue to experience recurring symptoms despite initial treatments, leading to frequent healthcare visits and sometimes requiring surgery for long-term relief.

A study published in the Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery found that balloon sinuplasty significantly improved symptoms in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. The minimally invasive procedure provided long-term relief with post-operative improvements observed as early as the first week and sustained for up to 12 months. The study confirmed the efficacy of balloon sinuplasty through diagnostic nasal endoscopy and CT scan scores.

Corbin is a board-certified physician assistant specializing in ear, nose, and throat (ENT) conditions. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Chemistry from the University of Indianapolis and her Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Franklin College of Indiana.

Gulf Coast Breathe Free is a healthcare provider specializing in diagnosing and treating sinus and allergy conditions. Led by Dr. Matthew Blair, the clinic offers services such as Balloon Sinuplasty and allergy drops (sublingual immunotherapy) to treat chronic sinus pain and allergy symptoms.