Sinus infections cause pressure, pain, nasal congestion and a whole host of other unpleasant symptoms. While they are often caused by a viral infection, allergies can also cause a sinus infection or increase the risk that you develop one.
What Is a Sinus Infection?
A sinus infection, also called sinusitis, occurs when there’s an inflammation in the sinuses that causes fluids to build up in them. Common symptoms include:
- Facial pain or pressure
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Postnasal drip
- Headache
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Bad breath
Some sinus infections are acute. However, other people develop chronic sinusitis where their symptoms last 12 weeks or longer.
How Allergies Increase Your Risk of a Sinus Infection
Allergies can cause your nasal and sinus passages to be chronically swollen, congested and inflamed due to exposure to allergens like pollen, dust mites or mold. This swelling and inflammation can cause mucus to become trapped in the sinuses, leading to a higher probability of developing sinusitis.
A study published in 2021 investigated the relationship between allergies and sinusitis. Research shows the incidence of sinusitis was found to be significantly higher in participants who had allergy symptoms as opposed to those who didn’t.
When To Seek Medical Care For Sinus Issues
Some acute sinus infections can clear up on their own with rest and over-the-counter treatments. However, you should make an appointment with a medical provider if you have the following:
- Symptoms last longer than ten days without improving
- A fever that lasts longer than 3-4 days
- Your symptoms are severe
- Your symptoms improve before getting worse
You should also reach out if you have frequent infections or if any other symptoms are concerning you.
Treatment Options
Your doctor will examine you and evaluate your symptoms to help determine what the best treatment options will be. Options include:
- Antihistamines. These can be helpful, in particular, if your sinusitis is related to your allergy symptoms. They can block inflammation caused by allergies which reduces your risk of sinus infection. You can find over-the-counter options or get a prescription strength version from your medical provider and pick it up at Dottie’s Pharmacy or another Charleston drugstore.
- Antibiotics. If you have a bacterial sinus infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Because concerns have grown about the overuse of antibiotics, your doctor may suggest a wait-and-see option to see if your symptoms improve on their own before recommending antibiotics.
- Home treatments. You can often manage symptoms at home by using things like saline rinses, nasal decongestant sprays, using a warm compress on your face and using a humidifier.
- Surgery. In instances where your sinus infections are caused by nasal polyps or other anatomical issues, surgery may be considered.
For more information or to schedule an appointment to evaluate your sinus or allergy symptoms, contact Charleston ENT & Allergy today.