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Can Allergies Cause Sinus Inflammation

Throat Irritation And Cough

Can Allergies Cause Sinus Infections?

As discharge from your sinuses drains down the back of your throat, it can cause irritation, especially over a long period of time. This can lead to a persistent and annoying cough, which can be worse when lying down to sleep or first thing in the morning after getting up from bed.

It can also make sleeping difficult. Sleeping upright or with your head elevated can help reduce the frequency and intensity of your coughing.

Can You Have A Sinus Infection Without Colored Mucus

You don’t have the discolored mucus that you blow out of your nose or goes down the back of your throat associated with a cough, associated with a fever, fatigue,” he explains. “So there’s a lot of extra symptoms that would tell you that you have a sinus infection, in addition to having the symptoms of a cold.”

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Related Sinus Conditions & Problems

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Why Am I Blowing Out Bloody Snot

Share on Pinterest Blood appearing when blowing the nose may be caused by dry nasal cavities, an injury, nose picking, or blowing too hard. Common causes of blood appearing when blowing the nose include: blowing the nose too hard or too frequently. inflammation or mucosal irritation caused by infection or allergies.

Symptoms Of Sinusitis And Allergies

Pin on Dr. Arunesh Kumar

Sinusitis and allergies can cause swelling in the nasal passageways, leading to a stuffy nose, or congestion. They both can cause headaches and a feeling of pressure along the sinuses, resulting in pain on the face.

However, there are certain distinctions that can help determine whether youre experiencing an allergic reaction or sinusitis.

Allergies can come without warning or with seasonal changes. Sinusitis typically follows a cold or other viral infection.

A person might be having an allergic reaction if they have:

  • Symptoms that come and go or appear only at certain times of the year
  • Symptoms that appear only in specific situations, like at a pet store
  • Itchy, watery eyes
  • Watery, clear, or thin discharge from the nose
  • Constant sneezing

A person may have sinusitis if they experience:

  • Thick mucus thats yellow or green
  • Symptoms that do not seem related to particular locations or circumstances
  • Pain in the gums or above the teeth
  • Severe pressure in the face
  • A diminished ability to smell or taste

Also Check: How To Avoid Cold Allergy

Can Allergies Make You Feel Hot And Cold

Allergies can cause symptoms that are very similar to a cold or flu, such as a runny nose, sore throat, or sneezing. However, allergies do not cause a fever. Because each allergy has a different underlying cause, it is essential that a person receives the right diagnosis, so that they can get the best treatment.

Long Covid Symptoms In Children And Teens

Its not yet known whether children who have had COVID-19 are more or less likely than adults to experience continuing symptoms. But long-term COVID-19 in children is a possibility, showing up as fatigue, headaches, difficulty with school work, mood concerns, shortness of breath and other long-hauler symptoms.

Amanda Morrow, M.D., a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation, is part of the multidisciplinary team at Kennedy Krieger Institutes Pediatric Post COVID-19 Rehabilitation Clinic, which addresses lingering coronavirus symptoms in children and teens. She says it isnt clear why long COVID-19 symptoms affect some children and not others.

We are seeing patients who are often very high-functioning, healthy children who did not have any previous illnesses or medical conditions, she says, noting that many of the kids being treated at the clinic only had mild bouts of COVID-19.

Heart inflammation after COVID-19 is a concern, especially among young athletes returning to their sports after a mild or even asymptomatic case of the coronavirus. They should be screened for any signs of heart damage to ensure it is safe for them to resume activity.

Kids who have experienced the uncommon but serious complication of COVID-19 called multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, or MIS-C, can be left with serious heart damage, and should be followed by a pediatric cardiologist.

By Jessi Cole, November 20, 2018

Treatment of Sinusitis

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Allergy Experts In Tampa

Our team of board-certified allergy and immunology specialists at Allergy Tampa will work with you to determine the underlying cause of your nasal congestion, as well as put you on the path toward recovery by making an accurate diagnosis of your condition.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment with one of our physicians, call 971-9743 or request an appointment with our online form.

Complications Of Sinus Infection

Allergies, Sinus Infections and Vertigo: Is There a Connection?

Sinus inflammation can spread to the bones and soft tissues of the face and eyes. This can cause:

  • Cellulitis of the face or around the eyes
  • Abscesses of the eyes

Left intreated, sinus infections can also lead to serious intracranial complications, including blood clots within the cavernous sinus, pus between the skulls and dura mater , and meningitis.

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Do you often feel like your head is stuffed up? Like theres pressure in your sinuses, and its hard to think straight?

If so, you may be suffering from sinus infection brain fog. This condition can be caused by chronic sinusitis, which is an infection that lasts for more than 12 weeks.

In this blog post, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and remedies for sinusitis mental fog. We hope that this information will help you get on the road to recovery.

So, lets get started.

How Do Allergies Cause Sinus Pressure

There are four major sinus cavities in your face:

  • Frontal, located in your forehead.
  • Ethmoid, located behind your nose and between your eyes.
  • Maxillary, located behind your cheekbones, between the bottoms of your eyes and the top of your upper jaw.
  • Sphenoid, located deep in your head behind your nose.

The sinuses are hollow cavities that are lined with a thin layer of mucus. They have the important job of filtering and moistening the air you breathe in, and they also trap dust and germs.

During an allergic reaction, mucus production increases and the nasal tissues swell, trapping this mucus, which is what causes sinus pain and pressure.

In some cases, its possible for bacteria to make its way into the sinuses, causing an infection that requires antibiotics and treatment from a doctor. Look out for the signs of a bacterial sinus infection, which include:

  • Thick, discolored drainage from the nose.
  • Postnasal drip .
  • Feeling of fullness in the ear.

For more information about sinus relief or to schedule an appointment with an expert allergist, call Charleston ENT & Allergy today.

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Can A Sinus Infection Cause Flu Like Symptoms

The problem is that both diseases have similar symptoms which makes it difficult to discern between them, especially in the early stages. Fever, body aches and fatigue are symptoms typically experienced with the flu. Facial pain, nasal congestion and postnasal drip are seen with most sinus infections.

Inhale Diffused Eucalyptus Oil

treatment for sinus infection

Eucalyptus oil has a strong odor that often helps patients find instant relief from sinusitis. Research has found that cineole, the main ingredient in eucalyptus oil, helps people recover from sinus infections more quickly than those who dont use eucalyptus oil. You can inhale eucalyptus oil through a diffuser, or rub some on your temples and chest to open your breathing passages. You can even use food-grade eucalyptus oil and place a drop on the roof of your mouth.

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The Difference Between Rhinitis And Sinusitis

Though a stuffy nose seems like a minor complaint, it can be a warning sign of several conditions. Two common culprits associated with nasal congestion are allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. Both conditions have symptoms that are similar in the early stages, and medical professionals occasionally struggle to make a proper diagnosis. Over time, differences between the two usually emerge.

Allergy And Chronic Sinusitis

Many patients with allergies also have sinus problems. Chronic sinusitis is an inflammatory condition of the sinuses that may cause nasal congestion, drainage, postnasal drainage, facial pain or pressure, decreased smell, and fatigue. Allergies can cause many if not all of these same symptoms.

So how do you know which it is you might have or could you suffer from both?

Your ENT Allergist can help you sort this out and formulate the right personalized treatment for you.

In allergic rhinitis , the immune system reacts to something to which is it exposed as if it were a harmful invader. It creates IgE antibodies that then cause the release of histamine which leads to the classic allergy symptoms.

In chronic sinusitis, the nose and sinuses become inflamed and sometimes infected, leading to an ongoing set of symptoms from this persistent inflammation. The tricky thing is that many of the symptoms can be present in both conditions.

There have been a lot of studies looking to see if there is a relationship between allergies and chronic sinusitis, where one might impact the other.

An evidence-based review :93-103) found that there were nearly as many articles showing an association between the two as there were that showed no link at all.

They recommended that in patients with chronic sinusitis, allergy testing and treatment is an option.

So what should you do?

Some problems are best treated with medications.

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Can Sinusitis Cause Vertigo

  • How bad can a sinus infection get?
  • Sinusitis vertigo generally appears when your sinus infection has reached a more advanced and severe stage. If you have a sinus infection and start experiencing vertigo, go see a doctor. You need stronger treatment than whatever you are using to avoid long-term sinusitis complications.

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    Symptoms And Causes Of Sinus Pressure

    Can a Weak Immune System Cause Sinus Infections?

    Your sinuses are a series of connected hollow spaces behind your cheekbones, forehead, and nose. When your sinuses are healthy and not irritated, they produce thin mucus that drains through your nasal passageways. 1

    However, these hollow spaces can occasionally swell up, blocking your mucus from draining properly. When this happens, you may feel symptoms such as: 2

    • tenderness of the face
    • frontal headaches
    • nasal stuffiness or congestion
    • pain in your teeth or jaw

    Sinus headaches are often mistaken for migraines as both conditions cause pain in similar locations of the face. However, migraines may happen due to factors such as stress and hormonal imbalances. Headache from Sinus Pressure, on the other hand, is caused by pressure around the face due to inflammation in your sinus tissues. 3

    This inflammation can happen for several reasons: 4

    • Seasonal allergies: allergy symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, and runny nose can irritate your sinuses, causing them swell.
    • Nasal polyps: these are abnormal growths in the nose or sinuses, blocking mucus from draining properly.
    • Deviated septum: an imbalance in the size of the nasal passageways which may make draining mucus difficult.
    • Cold or a flu: bacteria and viruses can cause your sinuses to swell and create pressure or aches in your face.

    Other factors including air pollution, fumes, or a change in air pressure can also cause your sinuses to become blocked, triggering swelling and pressure, leading to a sinus infection.

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    How Nasal Allergies Can Cause A Sinus Problem

    Common allergens that irritate the nasal passages include pollen, pet dander, dust mites, dirt and so on. Allergic people will react to these allergens by producing chemicals such as histamines. In the nose, the result can be swelling of the inside nasal layer. The swelling may be incredibly painful and bring on cold-like symptoms due to excessive mucus production.

    It can be tricky to tell the difference between a sinus infection and a problem caused by allergies. Both conditions can lead to overproduction of mucus and result in a runny nose or congestion. You may also feel sinus pressure from swelling of the nasal passages. Nasal allergies can sometimes lead to itchy eyes, which are less likely with an infection. Speaking to an ENT doctor in Johns Creek, Canton, or a nearby Georgia location will help with a diagnosis.

    Allergies Or Sinus Infection An Ent Explains The Link And How To Tell The Difference

    If youve had a stuffy or runny nose lately, its probably due to that pesky coat of pollen covering nearly everything outside.

    Early spring, when tree grass pollen peaks, kick-starts what can be a difficult summer for many. Grass pollen follows shortly after, and then ragweed in the fall. Seasonal difficulties can vary from one person to the next. Seasonal allergies come and go, but what about when it feels like they dont?

    Seasonal allergies can worsen symptoms of sinus infections and may make them last longer, explains Dr. Elina Toskala, MBA, MD, PhD, Jefferson Health otolaryngologist and allergy & immunology specialist.

    What do allergies stem from?

    Allergies are triggered by an overactive immune response and hypersensitivity to certain substances, says Dr. Toskala, be it pollen, dander, mold and/or dust. This reaction increases inflammation in our nasal and sinus cavities.

    What do sinus infections stem from?

    Sinus infections are viral or bacterial. In some cases, they are secondary to an upper respiratory virus, such as the common cold. Because the mucosa, or tissue that lines the nasal cavity, is so disturbed, it makes it easier for bacteria to settle in, adds Dr. Toskala.

    However, recently, chronic rhinosinusitis has been looked at as a multifactorial inflammatory disorder. Its almost like an asthma of the upper airways, describes Dr. Toskala.

    How do they overlap?

    How can you tell the difference?

    First, look at the symptoms:

    How to manage and prevent symptoms:

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    Complications Of Allergic Rhinitis

    If you have allergic rhinitis, there’s a risk you could develop further problems.

    A blocked or runny nose can result in difficulty sleeping, drowsiness during the daytime, irritability and problems concentrating. Allergic rhinitis can also make symptoms of asthma worse.

    The inflammation associated with allergic rhinitis can also sometimes lead to other conditions, such as nasal polyps, sinusitis and middle ear infections. These are described below.

    What Is Chronic Sinusitis

    Sinusitis

    Chronic sinusitis is an infection and/or inflammation of the sinuses that persists longer than three weeks. It can be caused by allergies or may be caused by an infection. This inflammation of the sinuses can occur suddenly or follow after a respiratory infection like a common cold.

    If your sinus infection is chronic, our physicians can help identify a cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Treatments for chronic sinusitis may include:

    • Nasal steroid sprays

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    How Is Sinus Infection Diagnosed

    Diagnosis depends on symptoms and requires an examination of the throat, nose and sinuses. Your allergist will look for:

    • Discolored nasal discharge

    If your sinus infection lasts longer than eight weeks, or if standard antibiotic treatment is not working, a sinus CT scan may help your allergist diagnose the problem. Your allergist may examine your nose or sinus openings. The exam uses a long, thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera and a light at one end that is inserted through the nose. It is not painful. Your allergist may give you a light anesthetic nasal spray to make you more comfortable.

    Mucus cultures: If your sinus infection is chronic or has not improved after several rounds of antibiotics, a mucus culture may help to determine what is causing the infection. Most mucus samples are taken from the nose. However, it is sometimes necessary to get mucus directly from the sinuses.

    Knowing what kind of bacteria is causing the infection can lead to more effective antibiotic therapy. A fungus could also cause your sinus infection. Confirming the presence of fungus is important. Fungal sinus infection needs to be treated with antifungal agents, rather than antibiotics. In addition, some forms of fungal sinus infection allergic fungal sinus infection, for example do not respond to antifungal agents and often require the use of oral steroids.

    Are Allergies Causing Your Congestion

    If youve had nasal congestion for more than a few days, it is likely due to one of two culprits: allergies or a sinus infection. Knowing which condition is behind this symptom is key to seeking appropriate treatment. Below we review how allergies and sinus infections cause congestion, how to tell the difference and how to find relief.

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    Managing Sinus Pressure Caused By Allergies

    One of the most common causes of sinus pressure is due to allergies. Unfortunately, this may make avoiding sinus pressure difficult, especially when allergy season hits. However, you can still rely on Reactine® Complete Sinus + Allergy, formulated for fast relief of seasonal and year-round allergy symptoms including sinus congestion, nasal congestion, and stuffiness in addition to common allergy symptoms like stuffiness, sneezing, runny nose, and itchy and watery eyes.

    Sinus pressure can develop for many different reasons, and if left untreated, may affect your quality of life. Although the best remedy is to avoid triggering your sinuses, there are many OTC medications and home remedies available to help. Its also important to understand your symptoms and differentiate them from similar conditions like migraines or regular headaches, as the most effective treatments will differ. If you are still unsure of your symptoms or which OTC medication to take, consult your doctor or local healthcare practitioner. Remember to always take OTC medications as directed on the label.

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