Top ENT Services Richmond Locals Search for in Fall

The fall season is right around the corner. This seasonal transition doesn’t just make everything around us feel more cozy. The air feels colder, and we can feel the festive season starting to fill the air.

As people bring out fall and winter coats from storage and into their closets, there is one more thing that lingers in the minds of many Richmond locals: ENT issues.

🍂Fall allergies in Richmond

Seasonal allergies are common and affect millions of people in the United States. Common allergy symptoms to watch out for include frequent sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy and watery eyes, postnasal drip, headaches, and fatigue.

Weed allergies dominate Richmond’s late summer to fall seasons. Residents who are sensitive to pollen should be especially wary of ragweed, thistle, and goldenrod, as they are the main culprits for most allergies.

Additionally, mold allergies become increasingly common during this time. Mold thrives in damp environments and can be present during the fall season because of the rotting leaves. They release spores in the air and trigger many people’s allergies.

❄️The colder air and sinus health

The transitional period of the fall season means colder air. Colder air is drier and can mean more harm to the sinuses. When exposed to dry air for long periods, the sinuses can become dry and prone to irritation. This increases the risk of inflammation and infection, leading to sinus issues like sinusitis. If the symptoms last longer due to the lack of medical intervention, it can lead to chronic sinusitis, which is more difficult to deal with and treat.

What ENT Services Richmond Locals Are Searching for in Fall

If you are a Richmond resident and are currently experiencing persistent or recurring sinus issues, it might be worth looking into the following ENT services to get answers and, more importantly, find solutions that should help you breathe better:

✔️Allergy testing

Allergy testing is the first step to understanding your unique allergy profile and taking better control of your allergy health.

Here at Richmond Breathe Free, we do three types of allergy testing:

• Skin prick test is the most common type of allergy testing and is highly effective in detecting immediate allergic reactions.
• An intradermal test is recommended if the results from a skin prick test need further confirmation or if further sensitivity testing is required.
• A blood test is conducted if there are certain skin conditions or medications that can impact results.

✔️Immunotherapy

Sublingual immunotherapy, or allergy drops is an off-label treatment option in the U.S. that may help reduce sensitivity to allergens over time. Many patients find it convenient, but results vary.

✔️Balloon sinuplasty

Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small balloon catheter inserted into the sinus passages. Once in place, the balloon is gently inflated, designed to open sinus passages, which may help improve breathing and drainage for some patients.

✔️Septoplasty

Septoplasty is a sinus procedure that aims to correct a deviated septum, aims to improve airflow and sinus drainage by correcting a deviated septum. It is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. Recovery times and outcomes vary, and your ENT will review potential risks and considerations with you. It’s an outpatient procedure, has minimal downtime and quick recovery, and there are few risks and side effects.

Find the Right ENT Services for Your Needs

If your sinus issues are disrupting your life, it may be time to seek a professional ENT (ear, nose and throat) evaluation with our experts here in Richmond, VA. Our team is here to explore treatment options that may help improve your breathing and comfort. Schedule a consultation with us and start your journey toward better sinus health, no matter the season.