Did you know that allergies don’t always cause sinus issues? Despite common assumptions, it’s a bit more complicated than that.

Chronic congestion, headaches, and infections often have deeper causes, and it’s essential to be aware of all the possibilities before jumping to conclusions.

Structural Problems Are Often to Blame

For some people, the physical structures inside the nose or sinus passages—which are established at birth and develop over time — block airflow and prevent proper drainage. 

Common examples of structural issues include:

1. Deviated septum: The septum is the thin wall that separates your left and right nasal passages. If it’s crooked or off-center (which is surprisingly common), it can block one side of your nose, making it harder to breathe or drain properly.
2. Nasal polyps: These are soft, non-cancerous growths that form in the lining of your nasal passages or sinuses. They can block airflow and trap mucus, leading to constant congestion or infections.
3. Narrow sinus passages: Some people naturally have very small or narrow drainage pathways in their sinuses. When these get blocked—even just a little—mucus can build up, creating pressure, headaches, and a breeding ground for infections.

These can lead to mucus buildup, frequent infections, and sinus pressure.

Why Diagnosis Matters

While over-the-counter meds can efficiently treat symptoms, that’s the extent of their ability—they can’t make an impact on the root cause of the issues.

Be sure to make an appointment with your doctor’s office and learn about the various tools that can help, like nasal endoscopies and in-office CT scans, which can help identify the real issue quickly and accurately. 

Get Long-Term Relief with Balloon Sinuplasty

With the proper diagnosis, treatments such as balloon sinuplasty may be recommended to help improve sinus drainage and reduce persistent symptoms. Balloon sinuplasty is a quick, non-invasive procedure that usually takes about an hour and requires little to no downtime. We perform the procedure right in our office in North Scottsdale, making it convenient for local patients. We’d be using a local anesthetic for your comfort, and provide medication to reduce any anxiety associated with an in-office consenting procedure.

During the procedure, a small, FDA-approved balloon is gently inserted through your nostril and into the blocked sinus. The balloon is then slowly inflated to open the sinus passage, helping restore proper drainage—just like how a balloon is used to open blocked arteries in angioplasty.

Once the sinus is open, the balloon is deflated and removed. A saline rinse may be used to flush out any trapped mucus. After the procedure, many patients report only mild discomfort or minor bleeding. Most people are able to return to normal activities within a day, though recovery can vary. We’ll provide simple aftercare instructions to help ensure a smooth recovery.

Final Thoughts

If your sinus symptoms persist despite home remedies or medications, it may be time for a proper evaluation. The team at Sinus & Allergy Wellness Center of Scottsdale offers diagnostic tools and treatment options to help patients find relief. Call to schedule an appointment and discuss what approach may be right for you. can help—call to schedule an appointment today.