East Hillsborough News

Cassandra Jeandell, a physician assistant at Tampa Bay Breathe Free, advises individuals to consult an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist if over-the-counter medications and nasal rinses fail to alleviate sinusitis symptoms. She communicated this advice in an Instagram post.

"I would see an ENT practice after you have tried over-the-counter medications," said Jeandell, according to Instagram. "Nasal rinses, things that are easily available and they're not working for you. That's when it's time to see a specialist."

If over-the-counter medications and nasal rinses do not relieve allergy-related symptoms such as nasal congestion, postnasal drip, or sinus pressure, it may be advisable to consult an ENT specialist. ENT clinics offer advanced diagnostic and treatment options for symptoms that persist beyond typical seasonal patterns or do not respond to home remedies. According to ENT Surgeons of South Florida, signs that may warrant a visit to an ENT include chronic nasal congestion, frequent sinus infections, and persistent throat irritation despite the use of common treatments like antihistamines and saline rinses.

In the United States, sinusitis is among the most common conditions treated by ENT specialists, affecting an estimated 28.9 million adults annually. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that chronic sinusitis accounts for approximately 12.1% of all adult outpatient visits and can significantly impact quality of life if left untreated. While patients often delay seeking ENT care, doing so after unsuccessful over-the-counter treatment can help prevent complications and lead to more effective options such as prescription medications or surgery.

ENTs also treat allergy-related complications beyond nasal symptoms, including recurring ear infections, chronic coughing, and difficulty breathing through the nose. According to the ENT Specialists clinic, these issues may indicate underlying structural or immune conditions that require specialized care and long-term management. In such cases, visiting an ENT allows for targeted allergy testing, personalized treatment plans, and when necessary, minor procedures to relieve chronic discomfort or obstruction.

Jeandell is a nationally certified physician assistant specializing in ear, nose, and throat care at Tampa Bay Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers. She holds a Master of Medical Science from Nova Southeastern University and a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences from the University of South Florida. According to her bio, she focuses on treating conditions such as chronic sinusitis and allergies through individualized care using both medical and minimally invasive therapeutic approaches.

Tampa Bay Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers specializes in diagnosing and treating sinus, allergy, and nasal breathing disorders across the Tampa Bay area. The clinic offers advanced solutions such as balloon sinuplasty, turbinate reduction, and allergy testing to address chronic sinusitis and related conditions. Staffed by experienced ENT professionals, Tampa Bay Breathe Free emphasizes personalized care using state-of-the-art technology to restore patients’ ability to breathe comfortably.