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Nassau Standard

Sunday, December 22, 2024

Long Island doctor: ‘Treating sinus inflammation can often lead to improvements in ... asthma’

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Dr. Joseph Capo | Capo Nose and Sinus Center

Dr. Joseph Capo | Capo Nose and Sinus Center

  • Statistics show that approximately 50 million Americans grapple with allergies every year.
  • Sinusitis occurs as a result of inflammation in the sinuses, while asthma involves inflammation in the airways.
  • Many people who have asthma also have chronic problems with the nose and sinuses. 
May marks National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, underscoring the interconnectedness between asthma, allergies, and sinus health in patients. According to Dr. Joseph Capo of Capo Nose and Sinus Center, patients often have improved asthma following sinusitis treatment.

"Treating sinus inflammation can often lead to improvements in their pulmonary symptoms, such as asthma, bronchitis, or recurrent pneumonia," Dr. Capo told the Nassau Standard. "Additionally, there's a condition known as Samter's Triad, which consists of three components: chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps, aspirin sensitivity or allergy, and asthma. Patients with Samter's triad often experience both sinusitis and asthma, and addressing sinus issues can play a crucial role in improving their lung function."

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), approximately 50% of people who have moderate to severe asthma also suffer from chronic sinusitis. Asthma and allergies can both cause sinusitis.

Many people with asthma also struggle with allergies, and allergy triggers can potentially set off asthma symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic. When the immune system confronts allergens, it releases chemicals that can cause symptoms like a runny nose, congestion, or skin reactions. These reactions can impact the airways, consequently triggering asthma symptoms. Allergy treatments such as immunotherapy gradually diminish the body's response to allergens, leading to a reduction in asthma symptoms over time.

People who suffer from allergies or chronic sinus problems are more likely to breathe through their mouths, according to McCarl Dental Group. Mouth breathing can result in decreased saliva production, which then allows bacteria and plaque to build up on the teeth. This buildup can lead to cavities, gum disease, and chronic bad breath. Furthermore, habitual mouth breathing may contribute to long-term complications such as strained jaw joints, snoring, sleep apnea, enlarged tonsils, and an elevated susceptibility to airway disorders like asthma.

In 1984, the AAFA proclaimed May as National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, recognizing it as a peak month for individuals affected by asthma or allergies. According to the AAFA, more than 27 million people in the U.S. struggle with asthma, 20 million people suffer from food allergies, and 81 million people have hay fever. The theme of this year's Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month is “empowering individuals, families, and the community to save and improve lives for people with asthma and allergies.”

Dr. Joseph Capo is the founder of Capo Nose and Sinus Center, according to the organization's website. Having concluded a five-year residency in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan, his primary emphasis was on treating individuals with sinus and nasal disorders. He has performed more than 1000 sinus procedures and also carries out septoplasty and Latera nasal valve implant procedures directly in the office.

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