If your sinus symptoms keep returning even after treatment, allergies might be a more significant factor than you realize. Viral and bacterial sinus infection treatments are effective at relieving immediate symptoms, yet they don’t always resolve the allergic triggers that cause persistent inflammation. For Atlanta patients with chronic sinus infections, allergy management may be the missing piece to achieving long-term relief.
How Managing Allergies Stops Chronic Sinus Problems
Chronic sinus infections are inflammatory conditions of the sinuses that last 12 weeks or longer. If your symptoms persist despite sinus management treatment, an allergist may be able to provide additional assistance.
How Allergies Contribute to Chronic Sinus Infections
Inhaled substances, such as pollen, mold, dust and pet dander, cause inflammation in the sinuses and nasal passages. With the sinuses unable to drain properly, this allergic response causes swelling and nasal buildup. As mucus builds up, bacteria and viruses have an ideal environment in which to thrive. Further exposure to allergens then causes the cycle of inflammation and poor drainage to continue.
Why Allergy Treatment Works
Effective allergy treatment works by stopping or reducing the immune system response to allergen exposure. By interrupting this cycle of persistent sinus inflammation, a person can experience normal sinus drainage and get better. Sinus infections will go away on their own if they are caused by a simple viral infection. However, when allergies are the underlying cause, it’s important to treat the allergy (or allergies) to prevent prolonged episodes of sinus pain, nasal congestion and postnasal drip.
Identifying Your Allergy Triggers
While some patients are aware of their allergy, others do not yet realize that everyday substances are contributing to their chronic sinusitis. Allergy testing will pinpoint the allergens responsible for the reactions that eventually cause the sinuses to swell. Allergists use skin prick or blood testing to determine a specific type of pollen or other allergen triggering a response. This information provides valuable insight, such as the likelihood of seasonal flare-ups and the locations where you’re most at risk.
Best Allergy Treatments for Chronic Sinusitis
After a diagnosis, an important first step is to minimize contact with the specific allergen as much as possible. This process may involve cleaning your home regularly to reduce dust, or limiting your pet’s access to your bed or sofa to prevent dander exposure. Your allergist may then recommend a treatment, such as antihistamines, corticosteroids or decongestants. In some cases, immunotherapy (allergy shots) will be the best choice to reduce sensitivity to the allergen.
When to See an Allergist
If your sinusitis has lasted for at least 12 weeks, or you’ve had three or more infections in a year, it’s a good idea to visit your allergist for advice and testing. In some cases you may also notice seasonal patterns that suggest an allergy is contributing to chronic sinusitis. Your allergist can then recommend a comprehensive allergy treatment for lasting relief.
Expert Allergy Care for Chronic Sinus Infections in Atlanta
Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center has allergy treatment centers located throughout the Atlanta area. If you’re experiencing chronic sinus infection symptoms, speak with our allergists for help with testing and treatment. Call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment.
