How Allergies and Sinus Problems Are Connected

There are strong interrelations between allergies and sinus problems, and a patient whose problem is caused by another as well as vice versa is frequently encountered by the ENT specialist. Provided that your nasal passages are often clogged, your face is often aching and your head does as well, and then you have a persistent sinus infection, particularly at some time of the year, then you likely have something that is caused by allergies. Knowing how allergies impact the sinuses can give you a chance to cope with the symptoms better and know when it is time to visit an ENT specialist and receive a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Understanding Allergies and the Sinuses

An allergy occurs when the body’s immune system reacts to a relatively believed safe & non-threatening (for example pollen, dust mite, mold or animal fur). When these allergens enter your body, they trigger the immune system to release substances (e.g. histamines), which causes swelling of the lining of the nose (i.e. nasal passages).

The cavities in your head are located behind the forehead, cheeks, eyes and nose; these spaces contain air trapped in them at all times. This air is drained through one or more openings in your nasal passages that lead you down toward your throat. If the lining of your nasal passages is swollen from an allergic reaction, these openings may become clogged and prevent mucus from draining properly causing discomfort, and congestion to occur.

How Allergies Trigger Sinus Problems

Swelling of the tissues inside the nose and excess production of mucus are both results of allergic reactions. Both of these physiological changes together create an optimal condition for the development of sinus problems. The following is a description of how this cycle typically plays out:

• Inflamed nasal tissue narrows the tubes that drain your sinuses
• Excess mucus becomes trapped in your sinuses
• Inadequate drainage leads to the growth of bacteria
• Pressure builds up within the sinus cavity, causing pain in your sinuses and headaches

If not treated, this cycle may cause an acute infection to develop or lead to chronic sinusitis.

Common Symptoms of Allergy-Related Sinus Issues

Differentiating between allergies and sinus problems can be tricky because of the common symptoms they share. Some of these symptoms include:

• Nasal congestion or blockage
• Facial pressure or pain
• Headaches
• Postnasal drip
• Loss of smell
• Fatigue

Allergy-induced sinus issues typically worsen in the spring and fall seasons, as well as after exposure to an allergen. On the other hand, sinus infections can produce thicker secretions than allergies do and can persist longer than allergies do.

Allergic Rhinitis and Chronic Sinusitis

Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, is a major factor in developing chronic sinus problems. Ongoing allergic reactions cause long-term inflammation preventing proper sinus drainage and creating an environment for recurrent infections.

Patients with chronic sinusitis are defined as those who have persistent sinus inflammation for more than 12 weeks even after various treatments. The majority of patients with chronic sinusitis also have allergies, and to have a successful, long-term solution, patients need to have their underlying allergies treated along with their sinus symptoms. If allergies are not addressed when treating patients with other sinus problems, their problems may continue to recur.

Why Sinus Infections Keep Coming Back

If you’ve been having recurring sinus infections, your uncontrolled allergies may be the cause. Allergies weaken the body’s natural defenses in the sinuses by:

• Causing damage to the lining that allows for movement of mucus.
• Blocking airflow and drainage.
• Making you more vulnerable to bacteria.

Once you stop taking your allergy medication, the infections can come back; therefore, a holistic approach is necessary.

Managing Allergies to Prevent Sinus Problems

By following effective strategies for managing allergies, people can lessen their chances of having sinus problems. Examples of effective methods include:

• Avoiding allergens: Identifying the source of your allergy is key. Once you identify your allergies, try to limit how often you come into contact with those allergens (pollen, dust, mold).
• Medications: These medications can be beneficial in controlling allergic reactions and alleviating nasal congestion (swelling) due to allergy symptoms:
• Saline nasal irrigation: This is another effective method for alleviating allergy symptoms. A saline nasal rinse is used to flush away allergens, thin out mucus in the nose, and help with sinus drainage.
• Allergy Immunotherapy: Allergy shots or sublingual tablets for long-term treatment. The goal of these shots is to gradually increase your tolerance to an allergen over time by training your body not to react strongly to it.

When to Seek Medical Care

Occasional sinus congestion during allergy season is common, but medical evaluation is If you are experiencing any of the following, it is important that you receive an assessment: 

1.  Symptoms of congestion lasting greater than ten days. 

2.  Multiple occurrences of recurring sinus infections over the course of a year. 

3.  Severe facial discomfort and/or physical swelling. 

4.  Persistent nasopharyngeal blockages after using treatment. 

An assessment helps identify the causes of a person’s symptoms; this may be due to either allergies, sinus disease, or both.

Long-Term Relief Through Proper Diagnosis

Allergy-induced sinusitis is a common misdiagnosis in patients who believe they are experiencing an infection when they actually have allergies as the underlying cause of their sinus pain. If you do not receive a proper diagnosis, your allergy symptoms will not be treated as the root cause of your pain.

When you successfully manage your allergies, you improve your ability to breathe comfortably, and you also decrease the likelihood of developing chronic complications related to your sinusitis.

Break the Cycle Through Understanding the Connection

Sinus problems and allergies are highly associated with one another. Untreated allergies often result in an ongoing cycle of congested sinuses, inflamed sinuses, and recurrent sinus infections. It is possible for your seasonal allergy to become an ongoing problem if not treated appropriately. By becoming aware of the connection between allergies and sinus problems, you will be better able to manage your symptoms and reduce the likelihood of complications in the future.

If you have recurrent or prolonged sinus symptoms, consulting with a professional, such as a sinus specialist, may help you tremendously. Knowing what the cause of your sinus symptoms are and having a tailored treatment plan will allow you to manage your allergies, properly drain your sinuses, and obtain long-term relief from your symptoms so that you can breathe clearly again and live a more fulfilling life.