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:

• Allergens: Seasonal allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold can contribute to chronic sinusitis by causing ongoing inflammation and irritation in the sinuses
• .Structural Abnormalities: Deviated septum, nasal polyps, or other structural issues in the nose can block the sinus passages, preventing proper drainage and leading to chronic sinusitis.
• Infections: Repeated bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can result in chronic inflammation of the sinus cavities
• .Immune System Disorders: Conditions that affect the immune system, such as immunodeficiency disorders, can increase susceptibility to chronic sinusitis.
• Environmental Irritants: Exposure to air pollution, cigarette smoke, and other environmental irritants can contribute to sinus inflammation and chronic sinusitis.
• Other Medical Conditions: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and cystic fibrosis are examples of conditions that can increase the risk of developing chronic sinusitis.

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

• Location: You may feel this discomfort around your eyes, nose, cheeks, and forehead.
• Description: The tenderness or pressure can vary from mild to severe and often worsens when you bend over or lie down.

Post-Nasal Drip

• Description: This involves mucus draining down the back of your throat, leading to a frequent need to clear your throat or swallow.
• Other Issues: Post-nasal drip can also cause throat irritation and a persistent cough, especially at night.

Thick Nasal Discharge

• Color and Consistency: The discharge is often yellow or green, indicating an ongoing infection or inflammation.
• Volume: You may notice an increase in the amount of mucus produced.

Toothache, Ear Pain, or Headache

• Toothache: Pain in the upper teeth or jaw can occur due to pressure in the sinus cavities.
• Ear Pain: Fullness or pressure in the ears can be a result of blocked sinuses.
• Headache: Sinus headaches are common and can be felt as a dull, throbbing pain across the forehead, temples, and around the eyes.

Persistent Cough

• Type: This is often a dry, irritating cough caused by post-nasal drip.
• Duration: The cough can linger for weeks or even months and is usually worse at night or in the early morning.

Loss of Smell

• Severity: You may experience a reduced ability to smell (hyposmia) or a complete loss of smell (anosmia).
• Impact: This symptom can affect your sense of taste as well, diminishing your enjoyment of food and beverages.

Bad Breath (Halitosis)

• Cause: The buildup of mucus and bacteria in the sinuses can lead to persistent bad breath.
• Management: Regular oral hygiene and treating the underlying sinus condition can help alleviate this symptom.

Fatigue

• Description: Chronic sinusitis can leave you feeling constantly tired and drained.
• Reason: The body’s continuous fight against inflammation and infection, along with disrupted sleep from other symptoms, contributes to overall fatigue.

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.