Chronic Sinusitis

Allergy-related chronic sinusitis is the result of inflammation of the nasal airways caused by airborne particles of pollen and dust, chronic sinusitis causes a host of cold-like symptoms that persist despite attempts at treatment.

Symptoms of Chronic Sinusitis

When people with allergic sinusitis breath in airborne allergens their immune systems kick into overdrive, producing chemicals called histamines that are released into the bloodstream in order to fight off what is believed to be a hostile invader. This causes the tissues that line the sinuses to swell, causing runny nose, congestion, sinus pain and pressure, itchy eyes and nose, headaches, fatigue, coughing, fever, sleep problems, and a reduced sense of smell and taste. The condition is considered chronic when it persists for 12 weeks or longer.

Diagnosis & Treatment

In addition to a through physical exam and a review of your medical history, your doctor will likely order tests or lab work. These might include allergy skin or blood testing, nasal endoscopy, CT, or MRI scans. Once an allergy diagnosis is confirmed, options for treatment will be discussed.

Unless you are able to avoid the allergen trigger, prevention is tricky, if not impossible. Home remedies for symptom relief include using a warm, moist washcloth pressed against your face to help with pain and swelling. Drinking plenty of liquids and using a humidifier are often helpful, as well. Long-term solutions include immunotherapy allergy shots or drops, herbal anti-inflammatory supplements, antibiotics, balloon sinuplasty, or endoscopic sinus surgery. Work with your doctor to manage your symptoms and come up with an effective treatment strategy.

Prevention

The best advice is to avoid your known triggers, reduce your bodies inflammatory load, stay healthy and work with your doctor to manage your symptoms.