Allergic Sinusitis
You are likely familiar with allergies which are abnormal reaction of the body to a allergen introduced by inhalation, ingestion, injection, or skin contact, often manifested by itchy eyes, runny nose, wheezing, skin rash, or diarrhea.
Allergic Sinusitis is the immune reaction to airborne antigens you breathe into your nasal cavity.
Not sure? See this comparison chart. Those antigens include:
- Pollen
- Dust
- Dried food particles
- Mold spores, pollen
- Fabric fibers
- Animal dander
- Insect parts, especially those of dust mites and cockroaches
- Industrial chemicals (including cigarette smoke)
- Foods
Seasonal Culprits
If your sinusitis occurs seasonally there are several popular culprits.
Spring and late summer: you are most likely looking at
ragweed, which effects of to 75% of seasonal sufferers.
Late March and early April: Tree pollen which seems to turn the world yellow.
October and November: Mold spores are your number one suspect growing on fallen leaves.
Perennial Culprits
When your symptoms hang around all year
you need to be looking at your home, work and even your car as source of your problem. Pet dander, houseplants, mold, carpeting and the upholstery of your favorite lounger.
Allergic Sinusitis symptoms include:
- Bad Breath
- Watery eyes
- Excessive sneezing
- Postnasal drip from the nose into the throat
- Itchy eyes and nose
- Reduced sense of smell and/or taste
- Pain in the roof of the mouth or teeth
Like other forms of sinusitis, the allergic type blocks the nasal cavities and does not let the mucus drain freely. Also, like other forms of sinusitis, symptoms vary from person to person. While one person may have all of the symptoms, someone else may have only one or two of them.
Treatment Tips
- Allergic sinusitis can be lessened with a natural irrigation method. Nasopure saline irrigation is effective in relieving symptoms. It cleans the sinus passages and reduces the inflammation. I recommend using distilled water as opposed to tap water that contains chlorine.
- If your allergic sinusitis is severe, it is better to consult a health care professional for treatment. Your treatment may require a steroid based nasal spray to gain relief. For self help try CitriDrops Nasal Spray, if it is not effective, see your doctor.
- Use HEPA air filters with your HVAC system and with your vacuum to remove the antigens from your indoor air reducing the cause of the sinusitis.
- Keep the family pets out of the bedroom because animal hair is also one of the primary causes of allergic sinusitis. You can be tested to ascertain whether your pet is in fact contributing to your condition.
- Bathe immediately after gardening or other outdoor activity to remove pollen from the body.
- Consider washing your clothes with Micro Balance Laundry Additive, as regular washing does not fully remove mold spores and pollen from clothing.
- Keep your body hydrated to keep the mucous membrane and sinuses functioning and from drying out and becoming painful.
- If your allergy is seasonal keep your windows shut and use your HVAC system.