Identifying the Causes of Nasal Allergies and Sinusitis
Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center is a leading provider of nasal allergy and sinusitis treatment in the Atlanta area. With millions of Americans experiencing allergic reactions, nasal congestion and postnasal drip each year, this condition is a major cause of ill health. And because the causes of sinusitis vary significantly, without the help of an experienced allergy doctor it can be truly challenging to determine nasal allergy triggers.
Data published by The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology suggests that 12.5% of the U.S. population is affected by chronic sinusitis. Along with other types of sinusitis, the prevalence of this condition contributes to frequent sick days and sub-par health. However, in reality, many recurring sinus infections are manageable with a reliable diagnosis and treatment plan.
Our allergy doctors are committed to helping Georgia patients overcome nasal allergies and sinus infections with personalized care. By identifying and treating the causes of sinusitis, people of all ages can get a personalized solution that offers long-lasting relief from this persistent health concern.
What is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is also known as a sinus infection, which is also usually followed by a cold that can cause pain and pressure in the head and face areas.
What Causes Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is caused when the lining of the sinus cavity gets inflamed from a viral infection. There are three different causes of Sinusitis, they are:
- Viruses
- Bacteria
- Fungi
Most cases of Sinusitis are caused by the same virus that causes the common cold. If the inflammation of sinus cavity doesn’t go away and worsens, the swelling can then block the normal drainage from the sinuses into the nose and throat. If fluid builds up, bacteria or fungi can start to grow. Bacterial or fungal infections can cause more swelling and sinus pain. If it goes untreated it can last longer, get worse with time, and then become chronic.
Another cause of Sinusitis is when allergies block the nasal passages and allow for fluid build-up. An allergist can help identify whether allergies are contributing to your sinus issues and recommend treatment options.
What are the Symptoms of Sinusitis?
The main symptoms of Sinusitis are a runny/stuffy nose or pain/pressure in your head and face. There could also be a yellow or green postnasal discharge. Other common symptoms of Sinusitis could include:
- Headache
- Bad Breath
- A cough that Produces Mucus
- Fever
- Pain in Your Teeth
- Reduce Sense of Taste or Smell
How Will the Doctor Diagnose Sinusitis?
To diagnose Sinusitis, an allergy doctor will look inside your nose or will feel tenderness in your nose and face. Other ways for diagnostics include:
- Nasal Endoscopy – A thin tube with a fiber optic light that is inserted through your nose which will allow an allergy doctor to see inside your sinuses. Also known as a rhinoscopy.
- Imaging – Using an MRI or CT scan can show details of your sinuses. These medical images can pinpoint any deep inflammation or obstructions that can be difficult to detect with a nasal endoscopy.
- Nasal and Sinus Cultures – If chronic sinusitis fails to respond to treatment or is worsening, tissue cultures can determine that cause and if it could be bacterial or fungi issues.
- Allergy Test – If there is a possibility that the condition may be triggered by allergies your allergy doctor may recommend an allergy skin test.
How is Sinusitis Treated?
Virus Infection
When you have a virus sinus infection it can usually go away within 10-14 days. Antibiotics don’t usually help a viral infection, but there are home remedies that you can do to help relieve the symptoms:
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Use a hot damp towel on for face for 5-10 minutes at a time, a few times a day.
- Breathe the warm, moist air from a steamy shower, this can clear the nasal passages.
- Get saline nose drops or spray. These can keep the nasal passages moist and help keep them open while washing out mucus and bacteria.
- Over-the-counter sinus medication to relieve the pressure in your head and face.
With home remedies, it will help flush the mucus out of your sinuses and help prevent a more serious case of sinusitis like a bacterial or fungal infection.
Bacterial Infection
If you end up getting a bacterial infection this can be treated with antibiotics. This can help the symptoms within a few days but some of the symptoms can last up to several weeks. If you have chronic sinusitis you will need to take your antibiotics for a longer period.
Fungal Infection
If you get a fungal infection, which is a very rear case, antibiotics won’t help your sinusitis. This type of infection can be treated in one of the following ways, with an antifungal medication, steroid medication, and even surgery depending on how severe the case is.
What are the Types of Sinusitis?
There are four main types of sinusitis, these include:
Acute sinusitis – This will, in most cases, start with cold-like symptoms. It can start suddenly and could last up to 2-4 weeks.
Subacute Sinusitis – This is when the symptoms cause inflammation of the sinuses and can last up to 4-12 weeks.
Chronic Sinusitis – This is also an inflammation of the sinuses but can last up to 12 weeks or longer.
Recurrent Sinusitis – This is when a patient gets sinusitis several times a year.
What Happens if Sinusitis Isn’t Treated?
If sinusitis isn’t treated and hasn’t cleared up naturally, then it could lead to meningitis, a brain abscess, or even an infection of the bone.
What are the Risk Factors for Sinusitis?
A person can be at risk of getting chronic or recurrent sinusitis if they have one or more of the following:
- A nasal passage abnormality
- Asthma
- Aspirin Sensitivity
- An immune system disorder
- Hay fever or other allergic conditions
- Regular exposure to pollutions
What are the Complications of Sinusitis?
Some complications that can be associated with sinusitis include:
- Meningitis – this is an infection that can cause inflammation of your membranes and fluid that surrounds your brain and spinal cord.
- Other Infections – other infections can include bone issues like osteomyelitis or spread to the skin called cellulitis.
- Partial or Complete Loss of Sense of Smell – Nasal obstruction and inflammation of the olfactory nerve can cause you to have a loss of smell that could be temporary or even permanent.
- Vision Issues – if your infections end up spreading, it can spread to your eye socket. This can cause vision issues or even cause blindness that could end up being permanent.
How can I Prevent Sinusitis?
To reduce your risk of getting chronic sinusitis you should take the following steps:
- Avoid Upper Respiratory Infections
- Control Your Allergies
- Avoid Polluted Air
- Use a Humidifier at Home to Add Moisture to the Air
Common Sinusitis Questions
When should I see a medical professional for sinusitis symptoms?
You should see an allergist if sinusitis symptoms persist for 10 days or more without improvement. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe symptoms, such as a high fever, intense headache, pain, swelling or difficulty breathing.
What allergies cause sinusitis?
Allergies that cause sinusitis include seasonal allergies like pollen, dust mites, mold and pet dander. Exposure to these allergens causes an allergic reaction that leads to inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages and sinuses.
Can natural remedies treat sinusitis?
Natural remedies like nasal irrigation and steam inhalation can offer some relief from symptoms, but they are not typically effective in treating sinusitis. For long-lasting relief you’ll need to treat the underlying causes, such as allergies.
Professional Nasal Allergy and Sinusitis Treatment in the Atlanta Area
At Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center, we help patients who are experiencing the common symptoms of sinusitis. Our allergists provide precise allergy testing services and comprehensive treatment plans that tackle the causes of nasal allergies. Visit one of our centers in the Atlanta area for help with chronic sinusitis, asthma and allergies. For assistance, call us at (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment now.
