Chronic Sinusitis and Allergies
Can allergies cause sinusitis? Absolutely. In fact, chronic sinusitis and allergies, including seasonal allergies (also known as hay fever), are common all over the world. It should come as no surprise, then, that there are many options for allergy and sinus treatment, such as balloon sinuplasty.
Seasonal allergy symptoms occur when your immune system releases histamines as a reaction to an airborne substance (an allergen) it identifies as bad for your body (even if it isn’t). Your sinuses then produce mucus and other substances to protect the body and rid it of the substance.
Causes and triggers of chronic sinusitis and allergies
As allergy sufferers know, there are hundreds of allergens. To find the best allergy and sinus treatment, many patients find it useful to take an allergy test. This will help them learn more about which allergens trigger their allergies.
However, while allergies occur year-round, there are allergens that have become associated with the seasons in which they are most prominent.
- Summer: grasses
- Spring: tree pollen
- Fall: ragweed
- Winter: indoor allergens (most outdoor allergens are dormant during winter)
Allergy symptoms and sinus infection symptoms
Everyone reacts to allergens differently, but there are a variety of common symptoms associated with chronic sinusitis and allergies.
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Postnasal drip
- Stuffy ears
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Itchy sinuses, ears, and throat
Less common seasonal allergy symptoms include wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and sinus headache. Hay fever can also exacerbate asthma symptoms.
Sinus infection symptoms and allergy symptoms overlap (as do some allergy and sinus treatments), and many people may find themselves asking, “Is it an allergy or sinus infection that’s causing my sinus conditions?” or “Is allergic rhinitis related to sinusitis?” They may even ask, “What is the difference between a sinus infection and allergies?”
While allergies may cause a sinus infection, sinus infections do not cause allergies. Allergies are caused by the body’s allergic reaction to environmental irritants. If left untreated, allergies can lead to a sinus infection; sinus infections have many causes, allergies being one of them.
If you’re confused about your symptoms, we encourage you to take our sinus quiz or give us a call.
Allergy and sinus treatment options: balloon sinuplasty and more
What can you do to relieve allergy symptoms? The answer depends on the severity of your allergies and how you react to allergy treatment medicine. One of the newest and most effective ENT treatments for sinusitis is balloon sinuplasty.
What is balloon sinuplasty? Balloon sinuplasty is a revolutionary, minimally-invasive, in-office procedure that lasts less than 30 minutes and requires little to no recovery time. The procedure can provide fast relief from your allergy symptoms.
During the procedure, a small balloon is partially inflated in the nasal passageways to clear and expand them and restore healthy drainage.
For some, allergy treatment at home may be sufficient. These treatments can include oral antihistamines, nasal sprays, or neti pots. Others may choose to stay indoors as much as possible during allergy season, while others choose to pursue allergy shots.
Breathe easy spring, summer, winter, and fall with balloon sinuplasty at Sinus Solutions of South Florida
The side effects of medicines can be frustrating, and many patients with chronic sinusitis and allergies don’t find relief with allergy medications. However, staying cooped up indoors isn’t a sustainable allergy and sinus treatment. Balloon sinuplasty offers a chance for long-lasting relief to these patients.
Dr. Bequer, a leading ENT doctor with locations in both West Palm Beach and Tampa, is one of Florida’s premier balloon sinuplasty physicians. Call Sinus Solutions of South Florida at 561-790-7744 to request a consultation today and give your seasonal allergies the boot.
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