Sinus Allergies- The Basics

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One of the first things an ENT specialist should check for in persons having chronic sinusitis is whether or not the patient has sinus allergies.

A diagnosis for sinus allergies can now be done by a blood test, which is much easier than the skin tests that were required in the past. In my case I had weak allergies to several things including dust, dust mites, and certain molds. Although my sinus allergies were not strong, my ENT specialist recommended that I start a series of injections to counter the above allergens (an allergen is an allergy causing substance, for example, dust or dust mites in my case). The doctor said that although he could not be sure if the shots would help much, we should proceed with them because we ought to try everything within our power to overcome my sinus allergies and sinusitis

I thus received shots weekly for about two years. For the second year it became inconvenient for me to go to the doctor?s office every week for a shot, so I was taught how to give myself the injections. Thereafter I only had to personally go to the doctor?s office about once a quarter to pick up a new batch of serum. At first the thought of giving myself shots seemed a bit revolting, but it really was quite easy to do after one gets the hang of it. I stopped taking the shots after about two years, and I can?t say for certain that they helped. I don?t think they did any harm, however, and I don?t think that sinus allergies are a big factor in my particular situation at present.

The mechanism for triggering allergies has to do with an over-reaction of a person?s immune system. Certain allergens, which cause no reaction whatsoever in some people, can trigger an overly aggressive immune system response in others. This exaggerated response of the immune system can cause inflammation and result in the release of histamines and other chemicals in the body leading to the creation of excess mucus in the nasal system, then possible blockage and infection.

Common allergens causing sinus allergies include pollen from trees, grass and weeds, animal dander, feathers, dust, dust mites, molds, mildew, smoke, perfumes, cockroaches, industrial chemicals, insect stings and certain foods, such as milk, eggs, peanuts, shellfish, and chocolate, among others.

The best solution to avoid triggering sinus allergies is to avoid coming in contact with the specific allergen that affects the individual. As can be seen from the above list, however, that is often impossible. In addition to the injections discussed previously, one can also use nasal irrigation to clean out the nasal passages, and this will provide some help, even if it might be limited. Several articles on the subject of pulsating nasal irrigation can be found at the Post Nasal Drip web site.

Since 70-80% of people who suffer from sinusitis have allergies, it is important that sinus sufferers get treatment for their sinus allergies. If not, the constant inflammations and soreness can lead to permanent problems, in particular cilia damage, which will only make one?s sinusitis worse in the long run. Sinus allergies can often be treated successfully and improve conditions, even if they don?t eliminate one?s sinus problems entirely, as in my case.

Walt Ballenberger is founder of Post Nasal Drip a resource web site for sinusitis sufferers like himself. For a free report entitled ?Sinus Treatment Success Stories?, visit Post Nasal Drip and click on the Free Report link. This resource can be of significant help to chronic sinus sufferers.