Are you among the many in Atlanta who find that their sinusitis keeps returning, despite undergoing treatment for sinus infections? This persistent cycle of relief and recurrence is incredibly frustrating, and typically stems from an allergy. With the CDC reporting that 11.6% of U.S. adults are diagnosed with chronic sinusitis, many people are experiencing painful and uncomfortable symptoms. However, understanding just why your allergies trigger sinus infections can allow you to get fast relief.
Why Do Allergies Cause Sinus Infections?
While allergies and sinus infections are separate conditions, they are often connected and do share similar symptoms. If you are allergic to dust, mold, pollen, pet dander and other allergenic substances, you may experience nasal discharge and congestion that causes pain in the nose and cheeks.
Allergies Lead to Blocked Sinuses
When a person with allergies is exposed to an allergen, their immune system reacts by releasing substances like histamine to protect the body. These substances cause inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages, and the body will increase mucus production to flush out the perceived threat. This combination of swollen tissue and excess mucus frequently causes blocked sinuses.
Exposure to Allergens Causes Chronic Sinusitis
Mucus cannot drain effectively when the sinuses are blocked. The subsequent mucus buildup leads to that familiar feeling of pressure around the cheeks, forehead and eyes that is most associated with sinusitis. Anyone experiencing recurring sinus infections will recognize these painful symptoms that can unfortunately last for several weeks.
Mucus buildup also provides the perfect conditions for viruses and bacteria and often leads to a sinus infection. With acute sinusitis symptoms may persist for two to four weeks, while chronic sinusitis symptoms could last 12 weeks or more.
How to Treat Sinus Infections From Allergies
When allergies are the initial trigger for recurring sinusitis, treating the root cause of your allergies is essential for long-term good health. Rather than assuming or guessing, accurately identifying the allergen or allergens responsible for a reaction is key – and this understanding will lead to the most effective treatment.
Initially, your allergist will want to perform tests to diagnose the allergy precisely. The most common tool is a skin prick test that’s conducted at your local allergist’s office. This quick test is safe and can take as little as 15 minutes.
With a clear diagnosis your allergist can then recommend a treatment for nasal allergies. Antihistamines, nasal decongestants and nasal corticosteroids are effective medications that minimize the impact of allergy symptoms. In some cases, allergy shots may be preferred as they help the immune system build a tolerance to the allergen.
Contact Us for Allergy and Sinus Infection Treatments in Atlanta
Get effective treatments for allergies and sinusitis at Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center. Our allergy centers are located in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Druid Hills, Duluth and Johns Creek. To contact us, call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment today.
