Chronic Sinusitis And Allergies: What To Know

Do you live with the discomfort and symptoms of chronic sinusitis? By now you probably know you have those annoying seasonal allergies, but they never seem to give you a break. Chronic sinusitis and allergies: what to know.

Know The Causes Of Chronic Sinusitis And Allergies

Understanding Chronic Sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis is a prolonged inflammation of the sinus cavities, often lasting more than 12 weeks. This condition can be triggered by various factors, including allergens and structural abnormalities in the nose.

Common Allergens That Trigger Chronic Sinusitis

Many people develop chronic sinusitis when their immune system fights off allergens. These allergens vary with the seasons:

• Spring: Airborne tree pollen
• Summer: Grass pollen
• Fall: Ragweed pollen
• Winter: Indoor allergens such as dust mites and pet dander

Exposure to these allergens can lead to persistent symptoms and ongoing sinus inflammation, resulting in chronic sinusitis that may last all year round.

Know The Symptoms Of Chronic Sinusitis And Allergies

There are some common symptoms to identify chronic sinusitis.

They include the following:

• Tenderness or pressure in the face, around your eyes, nose, and forehead
• Post nasal drip
• A yellow or green thick discharge
• A toothache, ear pain, or headache may accompany sinusitis
• A cough
• Loss of smell
• Bad breath
• Tiredness

These common symptoms last a long time and do not go away.

infection. The two most common structural causes are a deviated septum and nasal polyps.

Deviated Septum

A deviated septum occurs when the thin wall (nasal septum) between your nasal passages is displaced to one side. This misalignment can cause several issues:

• Obstruction of Sinus Drainage: When the septum is deviated, it can block the normal flow of mucus from the sinuses to the nasal cavity. This obstruction can lead to mucus buildup, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to grow and cause infection.
• Breathing Difficulties: A deviated septum can make breathing through the nose difficult, forcing individuals to breathe through their mouth, which can dry out the nasal passages and worsen sinusitis symptoms.
• Increased Risk of Infection: The blockage caused by a deviated septum can result in stagnant mucus, which increases the risk of chronic infections and inflammation in the sinuses.

Nasal Polyps

Nasal polyps are soft, non-cancerous growths that form on the lining of your nasal passages or sinuses due to chronic inflammation. They can cause several complications:

• Blockage of Sinus Openings: Nasal polyps can obstruct the sinus openings, preventing proper drainage of mucus. This blockage can lead to sinus congestion, pressure, and chronic sinusitis.
• Reduced Sense of Smell: Large polyps or multiple growths can interfere with the sense of smell, significantly affecting the quality of life.
• Recurring Infections: The presence of nasal polyps can create a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to recurrent sinus infections and persistent inflammation.

Treatment for Structural Causes

Addressing the structural causes of chronic sinusitis often requires medical intervention. Here are some common treatments:

• Medications: Nasal corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation and shrink polyps. Antihistamines and decongestants may also be used to manage symptoms.
• Surgery: For more severe cases, surgical procedures like septoplasty (to correct a deviated septum) or polypectomy (to remove nasal polyps) may be necessary. These surgeries aim to improve sinus drainage and reduce the frequency and severity of infections.
• Balloon Sinuplasty: A minimally invasive procedure that uses a small balloon to open up blocked sinus passages, improving drainage and reducing chronic inflammation.

Know When To Call Dr. Lunde

When your symptoms are not relieved by over-the-counter medications for allergies or sinusitis, it is time to reach out to your primary care physician or an ear, nose, and throat specialist known as an ENT. Be ready to relate how long you have had symptoms and what medications you have taken.

If you develop a stiff neck, swollen eyes, or a change in vision, call your doctor without delay.

Know The Treatments For Chronic Sinusitis And Allergies

Begin with an over-the-counter antihistamine, try nasal sprays with corticosteroids, and neti pots. Ask Dr. Kevin Lunde about the effectiveness of allergy shots. You may be given an antibiotic if your sinuses are infected.

A new treatment called balloon sinuplasty can be performed in office. It is a minimally invasive procedure that lasts approximately 30 minutes. It requires no recovery or downtime and can quickly relieve your symptoms.

During the procedure a small balloon inserted into the sinus cavity is partially inflated to expand the sinuses and clear them. It will restore healthy drainage and give you relief.

You don’t have to stay indoors all year, take medications for 12 months, or suffer with the symptoms of sinusitis and allergies any longer.