Allergy Sinus Treatment

Allergies often trigger sinus problems by causing swelling and inflammation of the sinus cavities. This prevents the cavities from draining properly and allows mucus to build up. Left untreated, this build-up can eventually lead to sinusitis, a condition that often causes headaches, facial pain and impaired nasal breathing. Fortunately, sinus problems caused by allergies can be treated using various over-the-counter and other remedies.

Decongestants

• Allergies often lead to congestion. This can be stemmed by using any of a number of over-the-counter decongestants. Some---such as Actifed, Sudafed and Drixoral---come in pill form. Others, such as Afrin and Neo Synephrine, are nasal sprays. They should not be used longer than a few days at a time. Otherwise, the Mayo Clinic warns that you may experience even worse clogging, called rebound congestion, after stopping the medication.

Nasal Sprays

• Allergies cause inflammation of the sinuses, and nasal corticosteroids can ease this swelling. Corticosteroids are available by prescription and include Nasonex, Flonase, Rhinocort Aqua, Nasacort AQ and Beconase AQ. The Mayo Clinic states that you can also spray an over-the-counter saline spray into your nose as needed to clean out the passages.

Immunotherapy

• If you can reduce or eliminate your allergies, you will also solve the sinus problems that they trigger. Immunotherapy may help desensitize your body and reduce its reaction to certain allergens. This is done through the use of allergy shots administered by a doctor.