ALLERGIES

Allergies are a pain, but balloon sinuplasty can give you lasting relief.

CHRONIC SINUSITIS AND ALLERGIES

Can allergies cause sinusitis? Absolutely. In fact, chronic sinusitis and allergies, including seasonal allergies (also known as hay fever), are common all over the world. It should come as no surprise, then, that there are many options for allergy and sinus treatment, such as balloon sinuplasty.

Seasonal allergy symptoms occur when your immune system releases histamines as a reaction to an airborne substance (an allergen) it identifies as bad for your body (even if it isn’t). Your sinuses then produce mucus and other substances to protect the body and rid it of the substance.

CAUSES AND TRIGGERS OF CHRONIC SINUSITIS AND ALLERGIES

As allergy sufferers know, there are hundreds of allergens. To find the best allergy and sinus treatment, many patients find it useful to take an allergy test. This will help them learn more about which allergens trigger their allergies.

However, while allergies occur year-round, there are allergens that have become associated with the seasons in which they are most prominent.

  • Summer: grasses

  • Spring: tree pollen

  • Fall: ragweed

  • Winter: indoor allergens (most outdoor allergens are dormant during winter)

ALLERGY SYMPTOMS AND SINUS INFECTION SYMPTOMS

Everyone reacts to allergens differently, but there are a variety of common symptoms associated with chronic sinusitis and allergies.

  • Runny or stuffy nose

  • Sneezing

  • Postnasal drip

  • Stuffy ears

  • Itchy, watery eyes

  • Itchy sinuses, ears, and throat

Breath again.

Less common seasonal allergy symptoms include wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and sinus headache. Hay fever can also exacerbate asthma symptoms.

Sinus infection symptoms and allergy symptoms overlap (as do some allergy and sinus treatments), and many people may find themselves asking, “Is it an allergy or sinus infection that’s causing my sinus conditions?” or “Is allergic rhinitis related to sinusitis?” They may even ask, “What is the difference between a sinus infection and allergies?”

While allergies may cause a sinus infection, sinus infections do not cause allergies. Allergies are caused by the body’s allergic reaction to environmental irritants. If left untreated, allergies can lead to a sinus infection; sinus infections have many causes, allergies being one of them.

If you’re confused about your symptoms, we encourage you to request a consultation or give us a call.

The side effects of medicines can be frustrating, and many patients with chronic sinusitis and allergies don’t find relief with allergy medications. However, staying cooped up indoors isn’t a sustainable allergy and sinus treatment. Balloon sinuplasty offers a chance for long-lasting relief to these patients.