NE Kentucky News

Because more than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies, the Dr. Daniel Mongiardo Sleep & Sinus Center offers solutions and relief for residents of central and eastern Kentucky.

Allergies cause the sinuses to close up so that air doesn't flow, leading to bacteria growth in the absence of new oxygen, Mongiardo said. While sinusitis can often be treated with medication that opens up the sinus to allow air flow, irrigation with saline is a simple solution for many patients. 

"The gold standard for allergy testing is still skin endpoint titration. Skin endpoint titration is the injection of needles into the skin just below the surface to inject the type of allergen and see what type of reaction we receive. Yes, it's a lot of needles. It's a little bit uncomfortable," Mongiardo told NE Kentucky News. But it's an important first step in figuring out a solution to his patients' sinus and allergy issues.

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In the U.S., allergies are the sixth-most-common cause of chronic illness, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, can persist year-round and can cause sneezing, stuffy and runny nose, watery eyes and itching in the nose, eyes or the roof of the mouth.

This happens because allergies cause inflammation, Mongiardo explained. In more serious bacterial infections, balloon sinuplasty may be necessary to stretch the opening for decongestion, though Mongiardo said it is a quick and painless process, according to his website.

According to the Dr. Daniel Mongiardo Sleep & Sinus Center website, a variety of services are offered, including balloon sinuplasty, comprehensive ear, nose and throat (ENT) services, and treatment for allergies and sleep apnea.

Dr. Daniel Mongiardo Sleep & Sinus Center has an online sinus quiz for those who want to evaluate their symptoms.