Can Seasonal Allergies Cause Sinus Pressure

How To Protect Your Sinuses

Use these tips to reduce inflammation and prevent problems:

• Apply a warm, moist washcloth to your face several times a day to help open the transition spaces.
• Drink plenty of fluids to thin the mucus.
• Inhale steam two to four times per day. Sit in the bathroom with the hot shower running.
• Use a nasal saline spray several times per day.
• Wash your nose with a salt water solution from a neti pot.
• Get a humidifier to moisten the air you breathe and help open sinuses.

If your sinus problems are related to allergies:

• Avoid your allergy triggers.
• Use antihistamines and if needed.
• Talk to your doctor to see if you need prescription medicines, allergy shots, or other forms of âimmunotherapyâ .
• Lastly, if your sinus problems keep coming back, you can ask your doctor about the pros and cons of surgery to clean and drain the sinuses.

Show Sources

Ford Albritton, MD, director, the Center for Sinus and Respiratory Disease at the Texas Institute, Dallas.

Jordan Josephson, MD, director, NY Nasal & Sinus Center attending physician, Lennox Hill Hospital author, Sinus Relief Now.

Kidshealth.org: âWhen Sinuses Attack.â

National Institutes of Health: âSinusitis.â

WebMD Medical Reference: âWhen a Cold Becomes a Sinus Infection.â

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Why Sinus Headache Is A Diagnostic Challenge: Similarities And Differences

Another common feature of allergic rhinitis and migraine is their seasonal exacerbation in the spring, fall, and summer months as a result of allergic triggers . A study from South Korea conducted between 2005 and 2013 showed that 13.5 % of migraine patients reported seasonal exacerbations . Moreover, the costs of migraine treatment are higher during allergy season , because many people with migraine experience an increase in headache intensity and frequency due to coexisting allergic rhinitis . Furthermore, ocular and nasal symptoms in allergic rhinitis may vary from day to day, depending on the allergen concentration in the atmosphere .

To avoid a misdiagnosis, it is important to realize that the pain characteristics of each condition may differ. Patients describe sinus-related pain as dull and pressure-like usually bilateral located in the maxillary, glabellar, periorbital, or frontal regions of the skull and worse in the morning. Those with migraine, on the other hand, usually describe the pain as throbbing or stabbing, mostly unilateral, moderate to severe in intensity, located in the temporal or retro-orbital area, and not worse during a particular time of day .

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When To See A Doctor

You dont necessarily have to see your doctor for your allergies. The exception is if youve never been diagnosed with allergies before or if your allergies seem to be getting worse.

You should also see your doctor if your OTC antihistamines arent working. They might recommend prescription medications instead. If your allergies have you particularly congested, they might also prescribe a .

Since sinus infections are caused by viruses, antibiotics dont generally help. However, if your symptoms worsen or last longer than two weeks, you should see your doctor for some relief.

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Can Allergies Cause Sinus Pressure

Theres no better time than spring to visit the Atlantic Botanical Garden and enjoy the beautiful flowers. But theres also no better time to experience those pesky symptoms like a stuffy nose, sneezing, itchy eyes and sinus pressure thanks to seasonal allergies.

If you suffer from sinus pressure and other unpleasant symptoms during springtime, below is a guide to help you understand why and find relief.

The Science Behind Pseudoephedrine

When you have a cold or an allergy attack, your white blood cells gather in your nasal passages and sinuses. This causes nasal membranes to swell and increases mucus production. Pseudoephedrine constricts these blood vessels, which decreases drainage.

But those same constricted vessels might also increase your blood pressure and heart rate.

Pharmacist Kayla Ryan explains the mechanism of pseudoephedrine. Pseudoephedrine is chemically similar to adrenaline, so the body recognizes it as adrenaline, causing the blood pressure and heart rate to increase.

She refers to one of the last major studies of the effects of pseudoephedrine on blood pressure, which took place in 2005. This study found that pseudoephedrine increased systolic blood pressure by one point on average, while heart rate increased by an average of three beats per minute.

Ryan adds that the immediate-release products had a greater impact on heart rate and blood pressure than their 12 hour or 24 hour extended-release counterparts, which showed a smaller increase in blood pressure.

In 2005, the FDA passed the Combat Methamphetamine Act, which requires pharmacies to sell all medications containing pseudoephedrine behind the counter. At your local drugstore, youll find cards in the cold and flu aisle with information for these medications. You can take the card to the pharmacist, who is required to scan your drivers license before purchase.

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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

• Itchy, watery eyes
• Itchy sinuses, ears, and throat

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 , and many people may find themselves asking, Is it an allergy or sinus infection thats 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 bodys 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 youre confused about your symptoms, we encourage you to take our sinus quiz or give us a call.

Are There Herbs To Help Me

The most effective herbs in the treatment of seasonal allergies headaches are those which help tackle the root of the problem.

The well-known Swiss naturopath, Alfred Vogel devised a remedy for seasonal allergies combining seven different tropical herbs. This formula can be found in Pollinosan Allergy Relief Spray, a non-drowsy remedy which can be used to combat allergies to pollen as well as to animals and dust.

If you are suffering from a sinus headache and feel that a decongestant may ease your symptoms, then Sinna Nasal Spray may bring you the relief you are seeking. It relieves nasal congestion, reduces inflammation of mucous membranes and supports the bodys natural protective function.

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How Do You Treat Allergies

For mild symptoms or symptoms that you experience irregularly, you can use an antihistamine like Claritin, Zyrtec or Allegra. Stay away from antihistamines that cause drowsiness, such as Benadryl. An antihistamine nasal spray like azelastine or a steroid nasal spray like Flonase or Nasacort can also be helpful for relieving congestion, runny nose, and sneezing.

Sinus flushes, also called nasal saline irrigation, can also be used to cleanse the nasal passages and relieve the pressure of congestion. Some brands that doctors recommend include the neti pot or NeilMed Sinus Rinse.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, nasal irrigation systems can cause sinus infections when not used properly or cleaned well after use. Only rinse with distilled, sterile or previously boiled water and follow the devices instructions carefully.

Using Moist Heat Therapy To Reduce Congestion

Anyone that lives in a dry climate or is traveling to visit a drier region knows that dry air can also irritate your sinuses, especially when you are already sensitive to seasonal allergy symptoms. Inhaling steam 2-4 times a day may help reduce congestion caused by dry air. For this, utilize your Bruder Sinus Compress to apply moist heat therapy. Simply put the Sinus Compress in the microwave for 1-2 minutes to enjoy 30 minutes of deeply penetrating moist heat therapy.

The patented MediBeads technology absorbs moisture from the air to release a soothing moist heat without the hassle or water or wires. The Bruder Moist Heat/Cold Sinus Compress is easy to clean and reuse, so you can incorporate thermal pain management into your routine at home and at work. The Sinus Compress is also ideal for relieve tension headaches, migraines, TMJ, dry eye syndrome, fatigue and stress.

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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, around your eyes, nose, and forehead
• Post nasal drip
• A yellow or green thick discharge
• A toothache, ear pain, or headache may accompany sinusitis

These common symptoms last a long time and do not go away.

Pseudoephedrine And High Blood Pressure Interaction

In 2005, a study showed that pseudoephedrine increased systolic blood pressure and heart rate, but had no effect on diastolic blood pressure.1 They also found that higher doses and immediate-release formulations of pseudoephedrine were associated with higher blood pressures.1 In addition, the study revealed that patients with well controlled hypertension had higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures after taking immediate release pseudoephedrine formulations.1

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Pay Close Attention To Symptoms To Determine If Cause Is Sinus Infection Or Allergies

Dear Mayo Clinic:

I have long suffered from allergies. But there have been times when I haven’t been sure if my symptoms are really from my allergies or may be caused by a sinus infection instead. How can I tell the difference?

Answer:

Allergies and sinus infections are often mistaken for one another. But they are two separate conditions. By paying close attention to the specific symptoms you have, you can usually identify which one is more likely to be causing the problem.

A sinus infection, also called sinusitis, affects the cavities around your nasal passages. The infection causes your sinuses to become inflamed and swollen. The swelling makes it hard for your sinuses to drain, and mucus builds up. You become congested and have trouble breathing through your nose. Sinusitis often causes thick yellow or green nasal discharge. A sore throat, cough or headache, as well as pressure or tenderness around your eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead, may also accompany sinusitis.

In most cases, viruses cause sinusitis. These viral infections usually go away on their own within a week to 10 days. Self-care measures such as extra rest and fluids along with over-the-counter pain relievers and decongestants can help. When sinusitis is caused by bacteria, the infection may not require treatment, either. But if it is persistent or severe, then antibiotics such as amoxicillin, doxycycline and others may be used to treat the infection.

Using Cold Therapy To Reduce Swelling

As we discussed above, painful sinus pressure occurs when swelling in your nasal tissue prevents proper drainage from your sinuses. Your nasal tissue can become irritated from inhaling various air particles or by something as arbitrary as an atmospheric change in pressure. To reduce swelling in your nasal tissue, apply a therapeutic cold compress, like the Bruder Sinus Compress.

Keep your Bruder Sinus Compress in the freezer for several hours prior to use. Remove the mask from the freezer when you are ready to relax for 5-10 minutes with the mask over your eyes, eyebrows, forehead, and nose. The patented MediBeads technology delivers a medically safe and consistent amount of cold. Just enough to help alleviate swelling from your nasal tissue and pressure from your sinuses.

Bruder products were highly recommended during my annual eye exam !If you suffer from headaches, allergies, sinus infections this compress is a game-changer.

Allergy sufferer

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Blood Pressure And Cough And Cold Medications

Many cough and cold medications contain NSAIDs to relieve pain. NSAIDs may increase your blood pressure. Cough and cold medicines also frequently contain . can make blood pressure worse in two ways:

• Decongestants may make your blood pressure and heart rate rise.
• Decongestants may prevent high blood pressure drugs from working properly.

What can you do? Avoid using cough and cold medicine that contains NSAIDs or decongestants. Ask your doctor for suggestions about other ways to ease symptoms of cold, flu, or sinus problems.

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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.

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Allergies And Sinus Pressure Can Cause Toothaches

Seasonal allergies can obnoxiously stuff up your day. Though were all for the warmer months, the allergies they bring are not so welcome. When the weather starts to warm, sneezes and wheezes are all too common. Toothaches are also common when allergies are in town. See how a toothache, allergies, and sinus pressure all go hand-in-hand.

Your body doesnt like when you inhale these tiny particles of pollen and dust. It tries its best to keep the harmful stuff out and releases chemicals called, histamines. This results in:

• And an overall increase in mucus production.

Springtime means environmental irritants are out in full force. The bodys response to an allergy is to absorb the outside irritant in mucus. This can cause you serious congestion and grief. A side effect of this is more pressure in your maxillary sinus area. Thats located under your cheekbones. Your back molars are also in the same area. Theyre in close quarters. So, when theres pressure built up, tooth pain is almost inevitable.

Some allergy sufferers link their mouth misery to tooth decay. But they forget that allergies and sinus pressure are related! Your dentist can always tell if its simply sinus pressure or something more.

If you struggle with allergies every year , create a seasonal game plan with your doctor. This may include anti-histamines or nasal rinsing. To see whats best for your allergy-inspired toothache, talk with your dentist and your doctor.

Jaw Pain Can Be Caused By A Number Of Factors Including Allergies Sinus Infections And Colds

Jaw pain can occur for a number of reasons: temporomandibular joint disorder , a teeth-grinding habit, gum disease and untreated cavities.

It is also possible to experience discomfort in the jaw and teeth when your sinuses are blocked. Sinus infections, congestion and allergies can all affect the jaw and face, often causing swelling and pain.

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Causes Of Sinus Pressure Without A Sinus Headache

Why do I have sinus pressure but no congestion? While it is possible to have a sinus pressure headache without congestion, it usually comes hand in hand with other symptoms of allergies, colds, or infections. If you are only experiencing what you consider to be a sinus headache, you may actually have migraines and should schedule an appointment with your primary care physician.

The treatments for the two conditions, sinus pressure and migraines, are different and you may be self-diagnosing, and therefore treating, incorrectly.

Find Sinus Pressure Relief With Balloon Sinuplasty In Houston

Sinus pain is uncomfortable and can disrupt your life regardless of what causes sinus pressure. At Kaplan Sinus Relief, we help people breathe better with a variety of sinusitis treatment options, including balloon sinuplasty.

Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive and effective way to treat your underlying sinus issues and can deliver lasting relief in as little as 20 minutes. We can help you treat your chronic sinus infections and get you feeling and breathing better again in no time.

Call 713-588-9987 or contact us online to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kaplan today!

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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.

What Is The Treatment For Sinusitis

The first step to treat sinusitis is to clear your nasal passages. This helps your sinuses drain properly. Draining your sinuses helps flush out a bacterial infection. If you have a bacterial infection, your doctor may also prescribe an antibiotic to fight it.

Here are a few common treatment options for sinusitis:

Nasal rinse or inhaling steam: To clear your sinuses, you rinse your nose with warm saline solution using a neti pot or a special rinse bottle.

Use lukewarm distilled or boiled water that is stored in a clean container. You can buy nasal saline packets in most pharmacies. You can also follow a recipe to make your own nasal saline rinse from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

Or you can breathe hot steam through your nose for 10 to 15 minutes, three to four times a day. Do not use steam if it triggers your asthma or makes it hard to breathe.

Nasal corticosteroid sprays: These are topical nasal sprays that contain steroids that help decrease swelling. Use your nasal spray as directed by your doctor to avoid side effects. Point it toward your ear when you spray it into your nose and away from your nasal septum .

Allergy treatment: If allergies are causing sinusitis, allergy treatment may help. These treatments may include nasal saline rinses, antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays, leukotriene modifiers, and immunotherapy . An allergist can test you for allergies and help you come up with a treatment plan.

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