Allergy is a common affliction across the world especially when the pollen count is high in the atmosphere. In the USA it affects more than 50 million people every year. In almost 38 million people, congestion and post nasal drip lead to more serious problems like chronic sinus infections. Newer treatments are now availble to combat such an allergy problem
Rajiv Pandit, M.D. a ENT and Head and Neck Surgeon at , of Methodist Dallas Medical Center, now uses a powerful laser to shrink nasal tissues called turbinates. He says: "This is the tip that is going to be placed in the nose. The idea is to vaporize some of this tissue as well as to cause a heat injury that, over several weeks, will reduce the size of the turbinate through the body's natural healing process."The procedure is called "Laser sub-mucosal resection" and takes approx. about 15 minutes with immediate results.
"People generally feel more alert -- both at home and on the job. People usually sleep better, so they're more refreshed,"says Dr. Pandit.
Kathy McFarlane's problem was swollen tissues inside her nose that made it hard for her to breathe."I was severely congested. Had a lot of pressure, in my head, nose runny, eyes -- runny and itchy."
McFarlane who was treated by the laser technique is pleased and she says, "I have not had a single sinus infection since I had the laser turbinate surgery, so it's been a godsend and an answer to many prayers.
Minor side effects of sub-mucosal resection include nose bleeds and congestion. The procedure should be only be offered to patients who are not helped by standard anti allergy prescription drugs.
