DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am a 50-year-old female with allergies. I use sublingual drops to treat them.

About twice a year I get a sinus infection. My doctor prescribes a five day Z-Pac (azithromycin) because I am allergic to penicillin and it is the only antibiotic I can tolerate. However, most times I need two courses to clear the infection.

I try to avoid allergens the best I can, take numerous vitamins and herbs to help boost my immune system and try to keep my sinuses clear with Mucinex, plain saline spray and occasional Sudafed.

I was recently examined by an ear-nose-and-throat specialist. He diagnosed me with a deviated septum and enlarged turbinates. My septum is so deviated that my breathing is reduced to 15% on the right side. He advised surgery to straighten the septum and to also reduce the size of the turbinates (which I understand to be one of the nasal bones).

I have talked with some people who have had the surgery. Most say their breathing has improved but they still get sinus infections although they are now less severe and have shorter durations.

Since I have had this condition all my life, I am wondering if I should just leave well enough alone but also worry that if it worsens that the surgery will be more difficult at a later age.

My question is: would your advise me to have the surgery?

DEAR READER:
A deviated septum is a common cause of sinus infections because the involved tissues may block the sinuses from draining properly. In my experience, this problem can be successfully treated by septal surgery. I advise you to have it done.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “An Informed Approach to Surgery”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.