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Cause and effect relationships are common in medical care. That one annoying condition that you’ve been putting off treating could lead to more annoying—and potentially serious—illnesses. Obstructive sleep apnea, for example, could lead to heart conditions later on.
But could something as common as allergies cause chronic sinus infections?
One of the most common signs of a sinus infection, also known as sinusitis, is nasal congestion. Other conditions, like allergies or a deviated septum, share this symptom, but sinusitis is distinct by also causing:
As mentioned, one of the symptoms that both sinus infections and allergies share is congestion. When this occurs, your nasal passages swell and can prevent mucus from naturally draining out. Stagnation of mucus can cause bacteria to grow over time, resulting in infected sinus cavities.
Whether your sinus infections are occurring as a result of your allergies or on their own, both conditions can happen at the same time. This is common and can add onto your confusion about your symptoms, which is why it is important to see an ear, nose, and throat specialist for a true diagnosis.
Your sinus infection can be treated at home with a combination of decongestants, nasal rinses, and proper hydration. Over-the-counter pain medications can relieve your headaches and facial pain, while warm compresses and steam can help with your congestion.
If your sinusitis is due to a bacterial infection, your physician may also prescribe antibiotics.
Your allergies may be seasonal depending on your local pollen count and humidity, or it could be the result of dust mites or pet dander. Regardless of the allergen, managing your allergies may reduce your risk of developing sinus infections.
Dr. Isaac Dingle, a CEENTA ENT and allergy specialist from our Pineville office, discusses the treatment connection between the two conditions. “Untreated allergies are a major source of chronic sinusitis. With proper allergy control, many patients can avoid repetitive antibiotic use and the need for sinus surgery. If chronic sinusitis is already a problem, in-office sinus procedures are available as a less invasive option with little to no down time. I specialize in both allergies and sinusitis and will be happy to discuss the treatment options at our Pineville office.”
An allergy test can determine the specific types of allergens that are causing your symptoms, and from there you can begin home remedies such as decongestants, corticosteroid sprays, and antihistamines. Immunotherapy can provide long-term relief, and can be administered as routine shots, tablets, or sublingual drops.
Allergies and sinus infections can go hand in hand, but what if you could be seen by a specialist in both conditions? At CEENTA, our board-certified ENT physicians treat patients suffering from both environmental allergies and chronic sinusitis at nearly twenty locations in the Carolinas.
Get started by scheduling your next ENT appointment with Dr. Dingle at our Pineville location today through our online portal or myCEENTAchart.
This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your physician.
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