Dr. Stephen Bane | Capitol Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers
Dr. Stephen Bane | Capitol Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers
- Statistics show that approximately 50 million Americans grapple with allergies every year.
- Sinusitis occurs as a result of inflammation in the sinuses, while asthma involves inflammation in the airways.
- Many people who have asthma also have chronic problems with the nose and sinuses.
“Asthma, allergies, and sinusitis are sort of a continuum,” Dr. Bane told the Montgomery News. “Nasal polyps, which are growths in the nose, cause blockages. We know they’re related to allergies. People who have allergies frequently have asthma, which is why one person has allergies, one person has asthma, and one person has sinusitis. It's all a continuum of the same disease, it's all inflammation.”
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), approximately 50% of people who have moderate to severe asthma also suffer from chronic sinusitis. Asthma and allergies can both cause sinusitis.
Many people with asthma also struggle with allergies, and allergy triggers can potentially set off asthma symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic. When the immune system confronts allergens, it releases chemicals that can cause symptoms like a runny nose, congestion, or skin reactions. These reactions can impact the airways, consequently triggering asthma symptoms. Allergy treatments such as immunotherapy gradually diminish the body's response to allergens, leading to a reduction in asthma symptoms over time.
People who suffer from allergies or chronic sinus problems are more likely to breathe through their mouths, according to McCarl Dental Group. Mouth breathing can result in decreased saliva production, which then allows bacteria and plaque to build up on the teeth. This buildup can lead to cavities, gum disease, and chronic bad breath. Furthermore, habitual mouth breathing may contribute to long-term complications such as strained jaw joints, snoring, sleep apnea, enlarged tonsils, and an elevated susceptibility to airway disorders like asthma.
In 1984, the AAFA proclaimed May as National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, recognizing it as a peak month for individuals affected by asthma or allergies. According to the AAFA, more than 27 million people in the U.S. struggle with asthma, 20 million people suffer from food allergies, and 81 million people have hay fever. The theme of this year's Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month is “empowering individuals, families, and the community to save and improve lives for people with asthma and allergies.”
According to Capitol Breathe Free's website, Dr. Stephen Bane trained in general surgery in New York at NYU and Bellevue Hospitals. He has practiced in Woodbridge and has been on staff at Potomac Hospital/Sentara Northern VA Medical Center since 1997. He served as Chairman of the OR Committee, ENT Section Chief, and Medical Executive Committee, and he is currently Chairman of the Surgical Department. He was recognized as one of Northern Virginia Magazine’s Top Doctors in 2020.
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