Dr. Farhad Sigari, an ENT specialist at Del Rey MD, advises residents of Marina del Rey to manage their allergy symptoms through testing, daily use of nasal steroids, and maintaining allergen-free bedrooms. This guidance was shared on Instagram.
“Get an allergy test if your allergies are bad,” said Farhad Sigari, according to Instagram. “First line of therapy for nasal allergies is considered nasal steroid. Neti pot is excellent we recommend that all the time. Keep your bedroom very clean use dust covers for your bed, mattress, and box spring.”
Balloon sinuplasty is recommended for patients with chronic rhinosinusitis who do not respond to medical management such as nasal steroids, allergy evaluation, and environmental controls. According to the Wiley Online Library, appropriate patient selection involves confirming sinus ostial obstruction and the failure of optimal medical therapy, which typically includes corticosteroid sprays, antihistamines, and allergen avoidance. Recommendations like “Get an allergy test if your allergies are bad” and “First line of therapy for nasal allergies is considered nasal steroid” align with these conservative steps before considering balloon dilation.
The American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) suggests that patients with allergic rhinitis should initially be treated with intranasal corticosteroids or non-sedating oral antihistamines. This approach aims to reduce inflammation and control symptoms before surgical interventions like balloon sinuplasty are considered. Environmental controls such as using dust-mite-proof covers and maintaining a clean bedroom are also emphasized to minimize allergen exposure and enhance treatment efficacy.
A 2022 systematic review in Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology confirms that adjunctive treatments like nasal saline irrigation (e.g., Neti pot) improve mucociliary clearance and reduce inflammation in chronic rhinosinusitis but may not fully resolve symptoms in anatomically obstructed sinuses. In such cases, balloon sinuplasty is considered a safe and effective next step, offering long-term relief by dilating sinus openings while preserving tissue. Statements like “Neti pot is excellent — we recommend that all the time” reflect this first-tier approach, with balloon procedures reserved for refractory cases.
Dr. Sigari is a board-certified otolaryngologist and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons specializing in endoscopic sinus surgery, otology, and head and neck procedures. A graduate of the University of California San Diego in biomedical engineering and Chicago Medical School in medicine, physiology, and pathology, he has trained at top institutions including the University of Chicago and Comer Children’s Hospital. Recognized in Los Angeles Magazine’s “Top Doctors,” Sigari combines clinical excellence with award-winning research and a commitment to community health, including service in remote Native American clinics.
