Cassandra Jeandell, a physician assistant at Tampa Bay Breathe Free, advises patients with persistent sinusitis symptoms, despite using over-the-counter medications and nasal rinses, to consult an ENT specialist. This statement was made in a post on Instagram.
“I would see an ENT practice after you have tried over-the-counter medications and nasal rinses,” said Jeandell, according to Instagram. “Things that are easily available and they’re not working for you.”
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends immediate referral to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) service for adults experiencing sudden hearing loss in one or both ears that developed within the past 30 days and is not due to external or middle ear causes. According to NICE, adults with acquired unilateral hearing loss accompanied by facial numbness or drooping on the same side should be referred immediately to an ENT service or follow a local stroke referral pathway if stroke is suspected. Furthermore, adults who are immunocompromised and present with ear pain and discharge unresponsive to treatment within 72 hours should also be referred immediately to an ENT service.
Data indicate that persistent sinus symptoms unresponsive to first-line treatments are common and often suggest more complex issues. A study published in JAMA found that up to 12% of the adult population in the United States experiences chronic rhinosinusitis, with many individuals not responding adequately to initial medical management, including OTC therapies and nasal rinses. The study suggests that patients whose symptoms persist longer than 12 weeks may benefit from imaging studies and ENT evaluation for conditions like nasal polyps or fungal sinusitis, which often require specialized care.
Research published in the Journal of Otorhinolaryngology indicates that hypertonic saline nasal irrigation significantly improved nasal symptoms and mucociliary clearance in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis compared to isotonic saline. The study noted no significant differences in radiologic scores or olfactory function between the two groups, suggesting that while hypertonic saline can alleviate certain symptoms, it may not address all aspects of the condition. These findings highlight the potential benefits of hypertonic saline irrigation as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for chronic rhinosinusitis.
Jeandell is a nationally certified physician assistant specializing in otolaryngology at Tampa Bay Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers. She holds a Master of Medical Science from Nova Southeastern University and has experience in internal medicine and general surgery. Jeandell focuses on treating chronic sinusitis, allergies, and ENT-related conditions through medical management and in-office procedures aimed at long-term symptom relief.
Tampa Bay Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers is a specialized ENT practice located in St. Petersburg, Florida, dedicated to treating sinus and allergy conditions using minimally invasive techniques. The clinic emphasizes evidence-based approaches such as balloon sinuplasty and targeted allergy therapy to improve patient outcomes. Their care model combines advanced diagnostics with in-office solutions to minimize downtime and maximize effectiveness for patients suffering from chronic nasal and sinus issues.
