Allergic rhinitis, known commonly as Hay Fever, is the inflammatory reaction of the nose and sinuses caused by exposure to airborne irritants. Since it is one of the most common illnesses in America, people often mistakenly believe that ‘everyone has allergies’ and so nothing needs to be done – this is incorrect. Patients suffer reduced quality of life and have their daily activities severely restricted, resulting in excessive time away from school or work. These are important reasons to seek treatment.

The sinuses are air-filled cavities within the bony confines of the skull whose purpose has yet to be defined. Their delicate mucosal surface is highly susceptible to the inflammation caused by allergic reactions to outside irritants – dust, mold, pollen, pet dander, chemicals, smoke, etc. When the tissues lining the sinus become swollen, known as Sinusitis, fluid begins to collect instead of draining naturally. The end result is facial pressure, nasal drainage, and with enough time to allow bacterial overgrowth, infection.