If you’ve been dealing with a sinus infection for more than three months, you may have a case of chronic sinusitis. And while various treatments for sinusitis can bring about temporary improvement, many Atlanta patients will unfortunately experience a cycle of recurring symptoms. So, how can you achieve long-term relief from chronic sinusitis? For many patients, the best approach is to address the underlying causes with immunotherapy.
How Immunotherapy Can Help Treat Chronic Sinusitis
Immunotherapy reduces the immune system’s sensitivity to allergens. By preventing reactions from allergen exposure you are less likely to suffer from sinus inflammation. Let’s examine why patients experience chronic sinusitis, and how immunotherapy can address the condition.
What Is Chronic Sinusitis?
Sinusitis refers to an inflammation of the tissue in the sinuses. When this inflammation persists for 12 weeks or more, it’s considered to be a chronic condition. Some of the primary symptoms of chronic sinusitis include nasal congestion, sinus headaches, a cough, sore throat, fever and fatigue. When these symptoms persist you may suffer a loss of sleep, reduced energy, as well as a general discomfort that affects your daily life.
While sinusitis can be triggered by things like the common cold, smoking and nasal polyps, chronic sinusitis suggests that an underlying cause is responsible. For many people, environmental or seasonal allergies like pollen, dust, mold or pet dander trigger an allergic reaction that can lead to sinus inflammation. Repeated exposure to an allergen without the right treatment will typically result in ongoing inflammation that is more difficult to treat.
How Does Immunotherapy for Chronic Sinusitis Work?
Immunotherapy (also called allergy shots) works by gradually desensitizing the immune system to allergens. For instance, let’s say you are allergic to dust. In this case, your immune system overreacts to dust exposure, triggering inflammation in your sinuses. Immunotherapy aims to treat this underlying cause of chronic sinusitis through gradual, controlled exposure to the allergen – whether it is dust (as in this example) or another problem substance.
When you reduce the chances of an allergic reaction you become less likely to develop sinusitis. The result is improved breathing, relief from postnasal drip (and other symptoms) and better health overall. For patients taking daily medication to address sinusitis, immunotherapy can also reduce the use of corticosteroids, antibiotics and decongestants.
What Is the Immunotherapy Process?
The immunotherapy treatment process most often starts with allergy testing. Once your allergist diagnoses the underlying trigger for your chronic sinusitis, treatment involving periodic injections can begin. You will visit your allergy clinic for weekly allergy shots (administered under supervision). The dosage level will increase gradually as your tolerance builds, and you will reach a point where only a maintenance dose is required to ensure lasting desensitization. With this higher level of tolerance you become less likely to react to allergen exposure, and less reaction means less inflammation, thus helping you avoid sinusitis symptoms.
Get Relief From Chronic Sinusitis With Immunotherapy in Atlanta
Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center provides cutting-edge treatment for chronic sinusitis and nasal allergies. Visit one of our Atlanta area allergy centers for testing and treatment. Call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment now.
