Allergic Sinusitis - How to Deal With Allergic Sinusitis

Symptoms of allergic sinusitis

The most common symptoms caused by allergy are sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, red watery eyes, itchy ears, cough, asthma, wheezing and so on. There may be a greenish discharge from the nose, sore throat or bad breath accompanied by loss of smell or taste. Dark circles under the eyes due to increase in blood flow in the sinus area. Usually preceded by a cold, it may persist for more than 5 to 7 days turning into acute sinusitis.

Allergy problems are due to the overactive immune system that overproduces gamma globulin that fights bacterial infections. The doctor first evaluates the history of the patient's allergic problems. After doing the physical examination certain tests will be performed. The treatment and medications will follow depending upon the discussion about the allergens and also the environmental problems.

Allergens causing sinusitis

The allergens causing problems may be dust, mites, animals, pollen or cockroach. Foods also a problem sometimes but they occur mostly in children and will subside as they grow older. Problems caused by allergic foods include eczema and asthma. Some medical conditions like thyroid problems and pregnancy also cause allergic sinusitis.

Treatment of allergic sinusitis

Various medications are used for treating allergy problems. Antihistamines can block the histamine secretion by allergens. Those available over the counter may cause drowsiness so driving should be avoided after taking these. But prescription drugs like Allegra, Claritin and Zyrtec do not cause drowsiness and most of them also come with a decongestant. Decongestants and nasal sprays are useful and ease the nasal block. They also contain mucus thinners and antihistamines with combination of drugs like aspirin. Allergy shots are given by doctors to reduce the symptoms as they have been found to be effective in people with cat allergies. Allergy shots with the allergens causing the problems are given in injections that are less painful. These shots are continued with regular frequency even up to five years as they take a long time to work. The amount injected will be increased each time usually every three or four weeks.