Dr. Axay Shanti Kalathia, MD

About 9 years ago I was suffering from a severe sinus infection that got progressively worse and eventually caused near total blockage of my sinuses for over a year. I had chronic, thick, yellow-green colored discharge that just would not go away. I had been seen by 2 different doctors during that time and was put on various antibiotics ranging from penicillin to Levaquin, as well as nasal decongestant sprays and even prednisone. Some of the medication gave me temporary relief to varying degrees but the infection always came right back. I thought that an ENT would be better equipped to treat the infection, so I went to see Dr. Kalathia. He did an endoscopic exam but could not see anything due to the heavy congestion, so he ordered a CAT scan, which showed almost total blockage of my sinuses. He recommended sinus surgery ASAP and scheduled me for an operation the following week, saying that a delay could cause the infection to spread to my brain and become life threatening. This… all sounded very scary to me, but the thought of an operation deep in my head was just was scary. Also, by this point I had already spent over $500 out of pocket for Dr. Kalathia’s fees not covered by my insurance, plus the CAT scan; surgery would likely cost several thousand $ more, so I asked him if there were any less drastic treatment options such as antibiotics and sinus irrigation, but he told me flat-out that surgery was the only solution, and that if I delayed any longer the infection could spread to the brain and become fatal. At that point, I panicked and agreed to be scheduled for the operation. However, a couple of days later I happened to mention this to an acquaintance who was an OR nurse familiar w/ ENT surgery. Long story short, she convinced me to get a second opinion from a doctor who was “NOT incentivized to perform surgery.” So I went to see a GP in the neighborhood, Dr. Adams (now retired.) As luck would have it, Dr. Adams was very knowledgeable about sinus infections. After a quick examination Dr. Adams told me that he didn’t think I needed surgery, and convinced me that I should at least try a different antibiotic treatment before going under the knife. He assured me it would be ridiculously cheap, painless, and quick. He gave me a prescription for a common antibiotic called Ceftin (less than $10 at the time) which he felt would be effective for my particular sinus infection, and he also told me to get an OTC 12-hour decongestant nose spray (about $3.) Dr. Adams gave me VERY SPECIFIC instructions regarding the use of the nose spray - and this was the key - spray once into each nostril, WAIT 10 minutes to give it time to clear the lower sinus completely. Only then should it give it a 2nd spray, which would then be able to get beyond the previously blocked lower sinus and reach all the way into the upper sinus where the stubborn source of the infection lay. Once the congestion in the upper sinus was cleared, the sinus could finally flush out the infection on its own. This 2-stage dosing method made total sense, but no other doctor had mentioned it before. Within 3 days of starting the Ceftin + 2-stage nasal decongestant spray regimen, my sinuses started running clear. The discolored discharge was completely gone for the first time in over a year. I called Dr. Kalathia’s office and told them I would not be needing the operation. It has been almost 10 years since that day, and I have not had any more sinus problems.

Dr. Kalathia performed two procedures on me, tonsillectomy and sinus surgery. I cannot stress how well he treated me as I had very little discomfort in either procedure. He is very courteous and professional, and I have recommended him to anyone I can.

I lost my sense of taste resulting in no appetite and over 3 months lost 20 lbs. Had blood work and MRI done by my primary but results were inconclusive. He suggested I see an ENT specialist. Dr. Kalathia examined my nose and throat and told me to "keep doing what my doctor had recommended. If it isn't better in a month call me." It's now almost 5 months since this problem began and I'm looking for another specialist. Wish me luck.