What is a Sinus Allergy?

You are probably bombarded by television and magazine ads talking about different types of allergies--nasal, sinus, eye--and their causes and treatments. So, how do you know if you have a sinus allergy or a sinus infection, and how can you treat your sinus allergy?

Sinus allergy is actually a layman's term for allergic rhinitis, meaning allergy in the nose and sinuses (also sometimes affecting the eyes). Allergic rhinitis can be caused by breathing in an allergen such as dust, pet dander or pollen. When this sinusitis allergy is caused by pollen, it is commonly referred to as hay fever.

The symptoms of allergic rhinitis are very similar to that of the common cold or a sinus infection, and include:

Stuffy nose
Coughing
Sniffling and sneezing
Itchy, watery eyes
Headache
Sore throat
Nasal discharge
Decreased sense of smell
One important distinction between sinus allergy and a cold or sinus infection is that when you are exposed to the allergen--for example, going outdoors if you have hay fever--the symptoms may get worse. Someone who is allergic to dog dander may experience immediate symptoms after petting a dog, especially if he does not wash his hands before touching his face, eyes or nose.

If you are unaware you have allergies, you may have a hard time treating them, since you probably think they are symptoms of a cold or infection. A sinus allergy will not respond to treatments for bacterial infections, like antibiotics. The symptoms may improve slightly with traditional cold and flu medications, like DayQuil or NyQuil, but will come back when the medications wear off. Even worse, if you take antibiotics for a supposed bacterial infection when your symptoms are really caused by a sinusitis allergy, it may increase your resistance to antibiotics and make them less effective when you do actually have an infection.

So, if you suspect you may have a sinus allergy, the first step is to try to identify your triggers. Do you get itchy eyes when you are around your neighbor's dog? Does going outside make you sneeze uncontrollably? When you are dusting your house, do you become congested and stay that way longer than you think you should? Paying close attention to when your symptoms occur can help you identify your triggers so you can avoid them.

Once you determine you have a sinus allergy, you may choose to try an over-the-counter sinus medication. There are several available and different active ingredients offer different benefits.

Antihistamines are generally safe for adults and can work within a matter of minutes. They can be taken orally or in the form of a nasal spray, and should be used to manage symptoms and clear up a sinus allergy attack that is already in progress. They may cause drowsiness so it's important to see how they affect you before driving when taking antihistamines.

Nasal Corticosteroids are the most effective treatments for sinus allergies, and are available in the form of nasal sprays. These sprays should be taken continuously, not just when you have a sinus allergy attack. There are several brands available.

Decongestants can help reduce the congestion symptoms of an allergy attack, but will not actually treat or prevent allergic rhinitis.

Homeopathic saline nasal rinses can help remove allergens from the sinuses, preventing or alleviating sinus allergy attacks after being exposed to allergens. These are safe, natural and do not require a prescription.

The most drastic measure you can take to prevent allergic rhinitis is an allergy shot. These injections are actually small amounts of the allergen that will train your immune system to prevent an allergic reaction.

If you suspect you have a sinus allergy, see your doctor to determine the cause and the best treatment for you.

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