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Allergy & Sinus Problems

Allergy and Sinus Problems

Allergy and sinus issues can significantly affect quality of life, causing discomfort, missed workdays, and ongoing frustration. At Sonoran Ear, Nose, Throat and Audiology, our specialists are trained to accurately diagnose a wide range of allergies, sinus and nasal disorders and recommend targeted medical or surgical therapies based on each individual’s needs.

Allergy Evaluation & Treatment

Allergies affect millions of Americans and can develop at any age. Often inherited, allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to substances that are inhaled or ingested. Common symptoms include:

Nasal congestion and drainage
Itchy or watery eyes
Itchy throat and sneezing

Allergies can sometimes be mistaken for chronic sinus issues. At Sonoran Ear, Nose & Throat, our Otolaryngic Allergists have specialized training to diagnose and treat allergy-related conditions involving the ear, nose, throat, and upper respiratory tract. As board-certified Otolaryngologists, Dr. Lara and Dr. Kang are uniquely qualified to assess and manage coexisting sinus and nasal conditions.

Medical Therapies for Allergies

Treatment may start with medical therapies, including:

Saline nasal irrigation
Topical nasal spray therapies
Over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medications
Prescription medications including decongestants and anti-inflammatories

These treatments may be used alone or in combination depending on your symptoms and allergy severity.

Allergy Testing

At Sonoran ENTA, we provide in-office skin testing to identify specific allergens common to Southern Arizona. Testing includes:

Prick (non-injection) testing – less discomfort compared to injection testing

Skin testing offers accurate, personalized insight into your body’s real-time (in vivo) allergic responses. This is often more precise than blood testing (in vitro) such as RAST, which only shows potential allergic sensitivity, which is still offered at Sonoran ENTA.

Testing typically takes less than an hour. Some medications must be paused beforehand—please call our office for instructions and to schedule your evaluation.

Allergy Desensitization (Immunotherapy)

If you're looking for long-term relief, allergy immunotherapy may be recommended. This therapy gradually retrains your immune system to become less reactive to allergens, reducing symptoms and the need for daily medications.

Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT – Shot-Free Drops)

We offer sublingual immunotherapy, a convenient non-injection option administered under the tongue at home.

SLIT is ideal for patients who:

Prefer to avoid shots
Have busy schedules or live far from the office
More tolerable with less side effects (i.e., anaphylactic reactions)

Note: SLIT is not typically covered by insurance. Please contact us for details on pricing and our treatment packages. Due to changes in allergen costs, allergy injections are no longer offered at Sonoran Ear Nose Throat and Audiology.

Allergy Treatment Options: 3-Tiered Approach

Avoidance
Try to minimize exposure to allergens—though this is often challenging in Arizona's environment
Pharmacotherapy (Medications)Includes antihistamines, decongestants, and anti-inflammatory drugs. These help control symptoms but do not change your underlying allergic response.
Immunotherapy (SLIT)
Alters your immune system's overreaction to allergens over time—similar to a vaccine. Most patients experience significant symptom improvement and require fewer medications.

If you’re struggling with allergies or sinus symptoms, contact Sonoran Ear, Nose & Throat to schedule your allergy consultation and find out if you're a candidate for skin testing and sublingual therapy.

Sinusitis

What is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis refers to inflammation or infection of the sinus cavities. It commonly follows a cold, allergy flare-up, or exposure to environmental irritants.

Acute bacterial sinusitis (up to 4 weeks) is typically caused by bacteria and often follows an upper respiratory infection. When symptoms last longer than 10 days, or worsen after initial improvement, bacterial infection is likely.
Chronic sinusitis (greater than 3 months) involves symptoms that persist and may be less intense than acute infections but can still severely impact daily life.

Symptoms may include:

Nasal congestion
Thick nasal discharge
Facial pressure or pain
Loss of smell or taste

Sinusitis Testing

Accurate diagnosis is the first step toward effective treatment of sinusitis. At Sonoran Ear, Nose, Throat and Audiology, we offer comprehensive testing to determine the cause and extent of your sinus symptoms. Depending on your condition, testing may include:

Nasal Endoscopy – A minimally invasive procedure in which a thin, flexible camera (endoscope) is inserted into the nasal passages. This allows us to directly visualize the nasal cavity and sinus openings, identify inflammation, polyps, or structural issues, and guide treatment decisions.
CT scan of the Sinuses – A detailed imaging study that provides a high-resolution view of the sinus anatomy. This helps identify signs of chronic infection, structural blockages, or anatomical variations that may contribute to persistent sinus problems. If indicated, an in-office CT scan at Sonoran ENTA is available for convenience. When sinus surgery is required, stereotactic CT guidance is utilized to provide a “GPS” for your surgeon using 3D mapping of your sinuses for increased precision and safety.
Sinus Cultures – In some cases, an endoscopically guided sample of mucus may be collected from the nasal passages to identify specific bacteria or fungi. This is especially helpful in cases of recurrent or resistant infections, allowing us to tailor antibiotic therapy.

Our team will determine the most appropriate tests based on your symptoms and medical history to ensure an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

Sinusitis Treatments

Medical Therapy

Treatment usually begins with medical therapy, including:

Antibiotics – Used for bacterial infections as diagnosed by your ENT specialist.

Decongestants – Oral or nasal spray decongestants may provide short-term relief. Long-term use should be supervised by a physician.

Nasal corticosteroids or antihistamine sprays – Reduce inflammation and allergic response.

Antihistamines and allergy treatments – Especially important if allergies are a contributing factor.

Our physicians tailor treatments based on symptoms, underlying causes, and your response to previous therapies.

Preventing Chronic Sinusitis

Stay hydrated to keep nasal mucus thin and flowing.
Use decongestant sprays cautiously before flying (about one hour before takeoff and landing).
Avoid known allergens; consider over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines or nasal sprays.
Allergy testing may be recommended to identify triggers and guide long-term management.

Surgical Options

If medical therapy is unsuccessful, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgical procedures aim to improve drainage, remove obstructions, and restore proper sinus function.

In-Office Surgical Services

Balloon Sinuplasty™ (Acclarent):

Balloon sinuplasty using the Acclarent device offers several important benefits for patients with chronic sinusitis or recurrent sinus infections, especially those who haven't responded well to medical therapy. This gentle, in-office procedure opens blocked sinus pathways to restore normal drainage and improve breathing—without traditional surgery. Here are the key advantages (Acclarent Balloon Sinuplasty)

Why Choose Acclarent Balloon Sinuplasty?

Minimally Invasive
No cutting, no removal of bone or tissue—just a small balloon that gently opens your natural sinus openings.

In-Office Convenience
The procedure is performed right in our office, typically under local anesthesia. No hospital stay is needed.

Fast Recovery
Most patients return to normal activity within 24–48 hours. Less downtime compared to traditional sinus surgery.

Long-Lasting Relief
Clinically proven to provide lasting improvement in sinus symptoms—so you can breathe, sleep, and live better.

Preserves Natural Anatomy
Keeps your sinus tissues intact, reducing trauma and scarring.

Safe and Trusted
Acclarent is FDA-approved and has been successfully used by ENT specialists across the country for years.

Is Balloon Sinuplasty Right for You?

If you have:

Frequent or long-lasting sinus infections
Chronic nasal congestion or facial pressure
Not found relief from medications or sprays

ClariFix® Cryotherapy (Stryker Clarifix Cryotherapy):

If you struggle with a constantly runny or congested nose—especially if medications haven’t helped—ClariFix® cryotherapy could be the simple, effective solution you’ve been waiting for. ClariFix is a minimally invasive, in-office procedure that uses gentle cooling (cryotherapy) to calm the overactive nerves in your nose that cause chronic rhinitis—that’s the medical term for ongoing runny nose, post-nasal drip, or congestion.

Some benefits include:

Fast, Long-Lasting Relief
Most patients notice improvement within a few weeks, with results that last. ClariFix treats the root cause, not just the symptoms.

Minimally Invasive and Quick
The treatment takes just a few minutes and is performed right in our office under local anesthesia—no surgery or downtime required.

Safe and FDA-Cleared
ClariFix is a proven, safe treatment cleared by the FDA for treating chronic rhinitis. It’s widely used across the country with excellent results.

No More Constant Wiping or Sniffling
Reduces the need for medications, nasal sprays, and tissues—so you can focus on your day, not your nose.

Back to Your Day Right Away
Most people return to work or do normal activities the same day. There’s minimal discomfort and a very low risk of side effects.

Who Is ClariFix® For?

If you have:

Constant runny nose or post-nasal drip
Nasal congestion is not linked to allergies
Tried other treatments with little success

Vivaer® Nasal Airway Remodeling (Aerin Vivaer):

Do you often struggle to breathe through your nose—especially at night or during exercise? The problem may be nasal valve collapse, one of the most common and overlooked causes of nasal obstruction. The Vivaer® Nasal Airway Remodeling procedure offers a quick, non-surgical solution to help you breathe better, sleep better, and feel better. Vivaer® is a non-invasive, office-based procedure that uses low-temperature radiofrequency energy to gently reshape the nasal valve area—improving airflow without cutting, stitches, or downtime.

Some benefits include:

Improves Nasal Breathing
Patients report immediate and noticeable improvement in nasal airflow—often described as a “night and day” difference.

Minimally Invasive, No Cutting or Implants
Unlike traditional nasal surgery, Vivaer® requires no incisions, no tissue removal, and no packing. It’s done under local anesthesia right in our clinic.

Quick and Comfortable
The treatment takes about 15–20 minutes and is well-tolerated by most patients, with minimal discomfort.

No Downtime
You can return to normal activities the same day—no recovery period required.

Clinically Proven Results
Studies show over 90% of patients experience lasting improvement in nasal breathing, sleep quality, and overall quality of life.

Ideal for Those Who Snore or Struggle During Exercise
Better nasal airflow helps reduce snoring and improve oxygen flow during workouts or daily activities.

Is Vivaer® Right for Me?

If you have:

Constantly breathe through your mouth
Have trouble sleeping due to nasal blockage
Have tried nasal sprays or strips without relief—then Vivaer® could be a solution.

Celon Elite by Olympus (Celon Inferior Turbinate Reduction):

Do you struggle with chronic nasal congestion, even when you're not sick or dealing with allergies? Enlarged turbinates could be the cause. Turbinates are folds of tissue on the sidewall of the inside of the nose that may become swollen or enlarged, blocking nasal airflow and make breathing through your nose feel difficult—especially when lying down. At Sonoran Ear, Nose, Throat & Audiology, we offer Celon® turbinate reduction—a gentle, effective treatment to help you breathe clearly again.

The Celon® system uses radiofrequency energy to shrink the swollen tissue inside your nose without cutting or removing bone. It’s a minimally invasive, in-office procedure that helps open the nasal passages and restore natural airflow.

Some benefits may include:

Long-Term Relief from Nasal Congestion

Patients experience lasting improvement in their ability to breathe through the nose—day and night.
Gentle, Tissue-Sparing Technology

Celon® targets only the overactive tissue, preserving the surrounding structures for a more natural result.
Performed in the Office

No hospital stay or general anesthesia needed. The procedure is quick and done with local numbing in a comfortable setting.
Minimal Downtime

Most patients return to work or normal activity within a day, with only mild congestion or stuffiness during healing.
Improves Sleep and Quality of Life

By improving nasal airflow, many patients sleep more soundly and report feeling more energized during the day.
Safe and Well-Tolerated

Celon® has an excellent safety profile and has been used in ENT practices worldwide with great success.

Is Celon® Right for you?

If you:

Constantly feel congested
Struggle to breathe through your nose at night
Don’t respond well to medications or nasal sprays—then turbinate reduction with Celon® might be your next step toward clearer breathing.

Surgical Services Under Anesthesia in the Operating Room.

Nasal and Sinus Surgeries Performed in the Operating Room: At Sonoran Ear, Nose, Throat and Audiology, we offer advanced surgical solutions for patients experiencing chronic nasal obstruction, recurrent sinus infections, or difficulty breathing through the nose. These procedures are performed under general anesthesia in an outpatient surgical setting.

Septoplasty and Inferior Turbinate Submucosal Resection: Septoplasty surgery corrects a deviated nasal septum, the wall between the nostrils. A crooked septum can block airflow and contribute to snoring, congestion, or sinus issues. During surgery, the surgeon reshapes or removes the deviated parts of the septum to open the nasal passages and improve airflow. The inferior turbinates are structures inside the nose that help humidify and filter air. When enlarged, they can cause constant stuffiness. Submucosal excision reduces turbinate size internally while preserving the outer lining, which is important for normal function. This results in better nasal airflow with minimal impact on normal nasal function.
Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS): FESS is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic sinus infections, nasal polyps, and obstructed sinuses. Using a small endoscope inserted through the nostrils, your ENT surgeon removes blockages and opens sinus drainage pathways. We use stereotactic CT-guided navigation to enhance precision and safety. This technology integrates your sinus CT scan with real-time surgical instruments, helping navigate complex anatomy and avoid nearby critical structures like the eyes and brain.

What to Expect

Before Surgery:
- A full evaluation including nasal endoscopy and a sinus CT scan
- Discussion of symptoms, goals, and surgical plan
- Instructions on medications to stop or continue before surgery
- Postoperative medications written and postoperative expectations discussed at a preoperative visit.
Day of Surgery:
- The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, with a tube in your throat to help you breathe. You won’t remember anything from the surgery
- Most cases take 45 minutes up to 2 hours
- You will go home the same day with specific post-op instructions
Recovery:
- Expect some nasal congestion, mild bleeding out the front of the nose or down the back of the throat with fatigue for a few days
- Nasal saline rinses or saline sprays begin shortly after surgery to aid healing
- Follow-up visits may include simple endoscopic cleanings in the office one week after surgery.
- Most patients return to work or school within 7 to 10 days, depending on the extent of surgery

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Will I have packing in my nose after surgery?
A: In most cases, no traditional nasal packing (i.e., nonabsorbable) is used. We often use dissolvable materials or gentle splints that minimize discomfort.

Q: Is the surgery painful?
A: Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort, which is manageable with over-the-counter or prescribed pain medications by your provider.

Q: How long is the recovery time?
A: Most patients recover within 1 to 2 weeks, but full healing of the nasal and sinus tissues can take several weeks. You'll continue saline rinses and have follow-up appointments during this time.

Q: Will this surgery cure my sinus problems permanently?
A: Surgery is highly effective for reducing symptoms and improving sinus drainage, but ongoing medical care (like nasal sprays or allergy and sinus management) may still be needed to maintain long-term results.

Q: Will this change the appearance of my nose?
A: No. These are internal and functional procedures and do not affect the external appearance of the nose.

Personalized Care at Sonoran ENTA

Our team at Sonoran Ear, Nose, Throat and Audiology is here to help you breathe easier, feel better, and take control of your sinus health. From advanced diagnostics to cutting-edge procedures, we offer a full spectrum of care tailored to you.

Sleep Apnea Surgical Treatments

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) –
- Done in a very select patient population of severe sleep apnea patients. Surgical removal of excess tissue from the soft palate and throat to enlarge the airway and reduce vibration. A tonsillectomy is often performed alongside this procedure when indicated.
Inspire (www.inspiresleep.com) –
- An FDA-approved implantable device for obstructive sleep apnea that delivers mild electrical stimulation to the hypoglossal nerve during sleep, gently moving the tongue forward to keep the airway open and improve breathing without the need for a CPAP machine.

Note: Sonoran Ear Nose and Throat providers do not perform the Inspire procedure, though are able to guide you through all appropriate treatment options.