Dallas City Wire

Courtney Leslie, a physician assistant at Dallas Breathe Free, advises individuals experiencing symptoms such as allergies, nasal issues, or sinusitis to consult an ear, nose, and throat doctor (ENT). This recommendation was shared on Instagram on December 11, 2024.

"If you're thinking about it, you should probably come in," said Leslie, according to Instagram. "If you are struggling with allergies, blowing your nose, not breathing through both sides of your nose, any sort of drainage in the back of your throat, pain or pressure on your forehead, your cheeks, ear fullness, difficulty equalizing, time to make an appointment."

Leslie's statement addresses uncertainties regarding when sinus symptoms necessitate ENT care. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sinusitis involves inflammation of the sinuses—air-filled cavities that filter and humidify breathed air. It is often triggered by infections, allergies, or irritants and can lead to nasal obstruction and facial discomfort.

The CDC reports that chronic sinusitis affects approximately 11.6% of U.S. adults, translating to about 28.9 million people. This condition persists for over 12 weeks and causes symptoms such as nasal blockage, thick discharge, and facial pressure, significantly disrupting sleep and daily functioning. The CDC also notes that chronic sinusitis often results in repeated medical visits due to its persistence. Some patients may require surgical interventions like endoscopic sinus procedures when medications fail to provide lasting relief.

A study published in the American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy found that balloon sinuplasty offers significant relief for chronic sinusitis patients who struggle with breathing freely through their nose. This minimally invasive procedure widens sinus passages using a small balloon and has shown symptom improvement within days with sustained benefits for at least a year according to patient surveys and imaging.

Leslie is a board-certified physician assistant specializing in ENT care at Dallas Breathe Free. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Texas A&M University-Commerce and her Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.

Dallas Breathe Free is an ENT clinic located in Dallas, Texas, focusing on sinus and allergy treatments. As detailed on its website, the practice is led by experienced otolaryngologists offering services such as balloon sinuplasty and allergy testing to address chronic nasal obstruction and related symptoms. The clinic serves a region where environmental factors like pollen and dust frequently exacerbate sinus conditions, providing both surgical and non-surgical options for relief.