Severe Allergies & Sinus Infections

A sinus infection, or sinusitis, is an inflammation of the nasal passages (sinuses) which prevents proper drainage. Nasal allergies (allergic rhinitis) are one of several causes of sinusitis, which also include the common cold, bacteria and fungal infections.

Types

• There are two types of sinusitis: acute, lasting fewer than four weeks, and chronic, lasting eight weeks or more.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of sinusitis include pain and pressure around the cheeks, nose and eyes; nasal congestion and thick, yellow or green post-nasal drip; fever; loss of smell; sore throat or earaches.

Causes

• During a severe bout of nasal allergies, the nasal passages are constantly congested and inflamed. This provides the perfect environment for a bacterial sinus infection to take hold.

Prevention

• Sinus infections caused by allergies can be prevented by treating the allergies, avoiding exposure to the allergens and taking antihistamines and decongestants are the best treatments.

Treatment

• Sinus infections can be treated with decongestants, pain relievers, nasal corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and saline nasal spray to clear out congestion. Most sinus infections clear up without antibiotics, but they may be useful for a persistent, severe bacterial sinus infection.