Dr. Manish Khanna, an Otolaryngologist at Capitol Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers, said that patients often mistakenly view sinus infections and allergies as unrelated conditions, whereas they frequently interact and compound symptoms. This statement was made on Instagram.
"I believe that, you know, patients will at times come to our office and basically, you know, kind of look at both of those entities, sinus infections and allergy conditions, as separate entities, when they're really, you know, intertwined," said Manish Khanna, MD, Otolaryngologist, according to Instagram. "It is common for allergy exacerbations. They are a common trigger for sinus infections. So they're not two separate entities. They're two separate diagnoses, but they both work together to cause issues with patients."
According to a review published in the journal Cureus, allergic rhinitis is a significant risk factor for developing acute and chronic rhinosinusitis. The review notes that allergic inflammation can impair normal sinus drainage, increasing the likelihood of infection. The authors highlight that managing allergies is an important strategy in reducing the incidence of sinus infections.
A 2024 study in Scientific Reports found that patients with allergic rhinitis are significantly more likely to develop chronic rhinosinusitis compared to those without allergies. The research showed a higher rate of comorbidity, indicating that these conditions often overlap and interact. These findings emphasize the need for clinicians to consider both diagnoses in affected patients.
A study published in Rhinology demonstrated that effective treatment of allergic rhinitis can lead to reduced sinus symptoms and improved quality of life for patients with both conditions. The researchers found that controlling allergies lessened sinus inflammation and prevented recurrence. They recommend integrated care for allergies and sinusitis to optimize patient outcomes.
Khanna is a board-certified Otolaryngologist who earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Maryland Baltimore County and a medical degree from Albany Medical College in 2002. He completed his residency and chief residency in Otolaryngology at Albany Medical Center and pursued a fellowship in Rhinology and Advanced Endoscopic Sinus Surgery at the California Sinus Institute. Dr. Khanna has been recognized as a Washingtonian "Top Doctor" and is a member of both the American Academy of Otolaryngology and the American Rhinologic Society.
Capitol Breathe Free is an ENT clinic with locations in Arlington and Woodbridge, Virginia, specializing in sinus and allergy care. The practice utilizes advanced technologies such as balloon sinuplasty and diagnostic imaging to identify and treat both structural and allergic causes of sinusitis. Their team focuses on minimally invasive solutions and provides individualized care plans for patients experiencing chronic sinus problems.