Can Allergies Lead To Sinus Infection

For Cases Lasting 7 To 10 Days

Most cases of sinusitis last 7 to 10 days and present only mild symptoms, and the condition will typically improve without the need for a doctors visit. In these cases, its simple enough to simply treat the symptoms to make these 7 to 10 days easier to manage.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are the go-to medications for combating allergies, especially runny noses caused by allergies. Why is that, though? Well, the cells in the body release histamine to trigger acute inflammatory responses. So, when allergies result in inflammation, an antihistamine can reduce the bodys inflammatory response.

Antihistamines might not always help, though. In some cases, antihistamines can result in mucus drying up too muchhardened, thick mucus is much harder to pass from the body.

Available over-the-counter antihistamines include:

• Pseudoephedrine

OTC Pain Relievers and Fever Reducers

When pain and fever strike, common OTC medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen may help. Since ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug , it may work better for sinus infections.

However, not everyone can take ibuprofen, such as those who are on blood thinners. Conversely, people with severe liver problems should not take acetaminophen. So, its always important to ask a doctor which OTC drug they think is best for a patients specific situation.

Sleep

Get Sinus Infection Treatment Online

No one likes being sick, and having a sinus infection can be very uncomfortable. Getting antibiotics as fast as possible is crucial to healing and is made possible with PlushCare.

PlushCare online doctors can diagnose your sinus infection, write a prescription, and send it to your local pharmacy in 15 minutes. PlushCare can help you effectively, quickly, and efficiently treat your sinus infection.

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Consult With Dr Arjuna Kuperan

If you think you may have a sinus infection and are considering surgery as treatment, seek the expertise of a Rhinologist like Dr. Kuperan who specializes in the treatment of sinus, nasal, and skull base disorders and a board certified Otolaryngologist . Dr. Kuperan will make sure you get a tailored procedure designed to get you feeling great again with minimal recovery time. To schedule a consultation please visit Houston Advanced Nose & Sinus or call us at 713-791-0700.

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Related Sinus Conditions & Problems

What Is The Treatment For Sinus Infections And Allergies

Sinus Infection

Viral sinusitis

Antibiotics are not necessary for sinusitis caused by a virus. Frequently recommended treatments include pain and fever medications, for example:

• Decongestants and mucolytics disolves are medications that dissolve or breakdown mucous, for example, guaifenesin.

Bacterial sinusitis

Bacterial infection of the sinuses is suspected when facial pain, nasal discharge resembling pus, and other symptoms last longer than a week, and are not responding to over-the-counter nasal medications.

Acute sinus bacterial infection usually is treated with antibiotics aimed at treating the most common bacteria known to cause sinus infection. It is unusual to get a reliable culture without aspirating the sinuses.

The five most common bacteria causing sinus infections are:

If you dont improve after five days of taking the antibiotic, contact your doctor because he may want to switch antibiotics to one of the five listed above or amoxicillin-clavulanate .

Generally, an effective antibiotic needs to be continuously for a minimum of 10-14 days. However, it is not unusual to treat sinus infections for 14-21 days.

Some antibiotics now are thought to reduce inflammation, independent of the anitbacterial activity.

Allergies

The first-generation antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine , chlorpheniramine , dimenhydrinate , brompheniramine , clemastine fumarate , and dexbrompheniramine frequently cause mouth dryness and sleepiness as side effects.

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Sinus Infection Vs Allergies: What Is The Difference

You have found yourself with sinus symptoms you cannot ignore, but ask yourself Are these symptoms from allergies or a sinus infection?Lets battle Sinus Infections vs. Allergies, and get educated on the differences, symptoms, treatments, and prevention measures for both conditions.

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What Can I Do To Prevent A Sinus Infection

If youre prone to allergies or hay fever, avoid things that trigger allergic reactions, such as dust mites, pet dander, mold, and cockroaches. Prescription or over-the-counter antihistamines and prescription nasal sprays can reduce chronic inflammation in the sinuses and nasal lining.

Nasal corticosteroids can be particularly helpful if you have seasonal allergies and use them just as the allergy symptoms begin. Thats because when the season first starts, you need a lot of the allergen to cause symptoms. But as symptoms progress, lower amounts of allergen produce more symptoms. By starting the medication early, you might be able to diminish this effect and reduce your symptoms before they bring on a sinus infection.

It is important to note that is extremely necessary to cure a sinus infection. If left untreated, a sinus infection can spread to other organs and in some cases cause life-threatening conditions.

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How Long Are You Contagious With A Sinus Infection

People with a sinus infection may be contagious for up to two weeks. This is because the virus can also pass along through contact, but its less likely that bacteria will cause this type of onset than in other cases where there are no symptoms present or only minor ones such as headache and dizziness which would go away on their own within days anyway without treatment from medication prescribed specifically for those conditions like a derm Noroxin .

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Our Allergists Can Provide Sinus Treatments That Work

AtCenter for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia, our Atlanta allergists are experienced in helping patients suffering from nasal congestion, chronic cough, nasal discharge, and facial pressure. Many of our patients who suffer from serious allergies, which trigger sinus infections,undergo allergy immunotherapy, which has been found to reduce a patients number of infections by up to 90%.

For more information about allergy symptoms or chronic sinus infections, get in touch withour team at Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia right away. We offer complete allergy evaluations to determine which methods can help patients breathe easier in the quickest amount of time possible.

To speak with an Atlanta allergist, or fill out a free form online. We have offices in various areas to best serve your needs!

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Why Should You See An Allergy Doctor

If you are suffering from the symptoms more often, then you should identify the root cause of the inflammation. Do not forget that if you do not treat chronic sinusitis, then it can lead to ear and upper and lower respiratory infections. The allergy doctor is trained to detect the allergy triggers and help you live sinus infection-free.

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What Is Chronic 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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Complications Of Sinus Infection

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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Start Treating Your Nasal Allergies Today

Are you suffering from nasal allergies? Dr. Chacko has helped countless adults and children in the Atlanta area treat issues of the ear, nose and throat successfully. Visit us at one of our Georgia locations in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Duluth and Johns Creek. Make an appointment at the Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center by calling .

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Are There Different Treatments For Allergies Vs A Sinus Infection

Yes, the treatments for allergies are different from a sinus infection, but its easy to confuse the two illnesses because the symptoms they cause are so similar. For example:

Patients will often say they have terrible sinus infections, and sometimes they may underplay or not fully realize the role that the allergies are playing in their sinus complaints. Determining the underlying cause of these symptoms is important because if you have allergies and theyre treated with an antibiotic, it wont solve the underlying issues causing all of your symptoms.

If you have severe stuffiness related to either allergies or a sinus infection, the symptoms can be lessened with an over-the-counter or prescription decongestant. Common allergy treatments can also include antihistamines that block the immune system response.

However, allergy medications will not eliminate the sinus infection. The first step is to understand whether the sinus infection is viral or bacterial. If your doctor believes the sinus infection is viral, you should:

• Drink clear fluids such as broth or water
• Rest as much as possible
• Take over-the-counter or prescription medicines to alleviate symptoms
• Use a saline spray to rehydrate your nasal passages

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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You Likely Have A Cold If

These are some of the most common signs that you have a head cold:

• Mucus Color and Texture: When you blow your nose, if you notice that the mucus is thickening or changing color, then the congestion is probably caused by a cold. The immune response within your body can cause the mucus to turn yellow or green, and it thickens up.
• Other Symptoms: The runny nose and congestion are present along with other symptoms, such as a fever, cough, body aches, headache, and SORE THROAT from drainage.
• Changing Symptoms: It is common for the symptoms of a cold to change every few days. For example, it often starts as a sore throat, which eventually leads to a fever and stuffy nose a few days into the illness.

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How Your Allergies Can Cause A Sinus Infection

If youve ever had a sinus infection, you know the pain and discomfort it can cause. Medically termed sinusitis, a sinus infection occurs when the cavities around your nose become swollen and inflamed.

Sinusitis is most often caused by a virus and often lasts long after the other upper respiratory symptoms are gone. Rarely, fungus or bacteria may cause a sinus infection. Allergies, nasal polyps, a tooth infection, and a deviated septum are other ways in which sinusitis may be triggered.

Sinusitis is acute if it lasts for a short period of time. The acute infection is usually part of a cold or allergies. If your sinus infection lasts for more than eight weeks, or continues to reoccur, you have a chronic infection. Many symptoms of a sinus infection are common to both the acute and the chronic forms. The best way to know for sure if you have an infection, to find the cause, and to get treatment, is to see your doctor.

An infection of the sinus cavity close to the brain can be life threatening, if not treated. In rare cases, it can spread to the brain.

Normal sinuses are lined with a thin layer of mucus that traps dust, germs and other particles in the air. Tiny hair-like projections in the sinuses sweep the mucus towards openings that lead to the back of the throat. From there, it slides down to the stomach. This continual process is a normal body function.

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Allergies Vs Sinus Infections

It is not uncommon for different medical conditions to have similar symptoms. This is one of the many reasons why it can be problematic trying to determine what is troubling you through an online search engine . Instead, visiting your Murrieta doctor can give you a more accurate and correct diagnosis.

Allergies and sinus infections are often mistaken for each other. Below is a breakdown of how you can tell these two conditions apart.

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How Can I Prevent Sinusitis

Some of the home remedies used to treat sinus infections symptoms may help prevent sinusitis. These include rinsing your nose out with salt water and using medications that your provider might suggest, such as allergy medications or steroid nasal sprays.

You should avoid things you are allergic to, like dust, pollen or smoke, and try to avoid sick people. Wash your hands to reduce your chance of getting a cold or flu.

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Can Nasal Allergies Cause Sinus Problems

Dr. Chacko Featured on the Cover ofAtlantaâs Top Doctor Magazine

Most people wont think about their sinuses very much until theres a problem. An Atlanta ear, nose & throat doctor can help provide nasal allergy treatment and other solutions that impact the sinuses.

These hollow spaces behind your cheeks, nose and forehead produce mucus that protects against bacteria and dirt. When a problem does occur, the swelling and inflammation can become painful and aggravating, and will be hard to ignore.

• Loss of smell and taste

In order to determine what condition you are suffering from, your physician will review your list of symptoms and perform a physical exam. The difference between these two conditions can be boiled down into two questions:

Is your sinus congestion accompanied by watery or itchy eyes?

Do you have a headache, pressure or pain in the face and chronic fatigue?

Watery or itchy eyes will lead your doctor to determine that you are suffering from seasonal allergies, while pain or pressure in the face combined with a headache and fatigue is usually an indication that you have a sinus infection.

The reason it is important to figure out what is causing your symptoms is because that will shape your treatment plan.

Antihistamines, decongestants and nasal or oral corticosteroids are used to treat seasonal allergies. Immunotherapy is an option for long-term relief of these symptoms.

Causes Of A Sinus Infection

A sinus infection or sinusitis is an infection of the sinuses. Most often, it is triggered by a common cold, which is considered a virus. These include rhinoviruses, influenza viruses, and parainfluenza viruses. Influenza viruses, which are responsible for the flu, can also cause sinusitis. These viral infections of the sinus usually resolve in ten days.

Bacteria can also cause sinus infections. These includeS. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, M. catarrhalis, S. pyogenes, S. aureus, and various fungi can cause a sinus infection, as well.

Why do allergies can cause sinus infections? Allergic reactions cause excess histamine and inflammation, which irritate the nose and sinuses. The common cold also causes inflammation and irritation of the nose and sinuses. Once the sinus cavities are irritated and inflamed, they can easily become infected.

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Allergies Vs Colds: Whats The Difference

Allergies vs. cold Its an internal debate people often have when they find themselves sneezing and blowing their noses frequently. Why does it matter whether its allergies or a cold thats causing their symptoms? The duration of the episode is one reason. A cold will run its course, but allergies can go on indefinitely, so you have to plan for that.

There are differences between allergies and a cold, but not everyone knows what they are. This article explains them.