How many of you have went to Walgreens or CVS and bought the wrong medicine because you thought it was your allergies acting up, but in reality it was your sinuses that were responsible for your incessant sneezing? Mistakes such as these can either leave you blowing your nose, or dry at the nostrils. It’s time once and for all to get it right this season. The question we’re tackling today is, “what is the difference between allergies and sinuses?”
Dr. Crystal Moore gives us the ins-and-outs of what allergies and sinuses are all about.
BlackDoctor: What are allergies and its symptoms?
Dr. Moore: Allergies, or allergic rhinitis, are often seasonal. They are caused by the release of histamine in response to an allergen. Histamine produces common allergy symptoms such as itchy, watery eyes, nasal and sinus congestion, headaches, sneezing, scratchy throat, hives, and shortness of breath. Other less common symptoms are balance disturbances, skin irritations such as eczema, and even respiratory problems like asthma.For some allergy sufferers symptoms may be seasonal, but for others it is a year-round discomfort. In the late summer and early fall ragweed is the culprit for many fall allergy sufferers. Warm temperatures this year have extended the ragweed growing season.
BlackDoctor: What do you recommend for treating your allergies?
Dr. Moore: Allergy symptom control is most successful when multiple management approaches are used simultaneously. They may include minimizing exposure to allergens, desensitization with allergy shots, and medications. If used properly, medications, including antihistamines, nasal decongestant sprays, steroid sprays, saline sprays, and cortisone-type preparations, can be helpful. Even over-the-counter drugs can be beneficial, but some may cause drowsiness.
BlackDoctor: Where can you go get tested for all of the allergies that you may be potentially affected by?
Dr. Moore: Your doctor will gather a detailed history and complete a thorough examination of the ears, nose, throat, head, and neck. He or she will offer advice on proper environmental control and evaluate the sinuses to determine if infection or structural abnormality (deviated septum, polyps) is contributing to the symptoms. If symptoms persist, allergy testing be done to help identify the offending agent so it can be avoided as much as possible
BlackDoctor.org: What is sinusitis and its symptoms?
Dr. Moore: Sinusitis, on the other hand, is often preceded by a cold, allergy attack, upper respiratory infection or irritation by environmental pollutants. Symptoms can include facial pressure and pain. The pain is often in the eyes, nose, cheek, forehead, and upper teeth. There can be fever, body aches, and fatigue. All symptoms that would be more unusual in allergies.
BlackDoctor: Any tips on ridding your house of allergens?
Dr. Moore:To decrease allergens in the home, change your air filters regularly, opt for hard flooring materials rather than carpeting, consider leather or wood furnishings rather than upholstery, vacuum and dust often, remove things that have gotten wet before they accumulate mold and mildew, remove plants, and keep windows closed.
Thank you to Dr. Moore for sharing her expertise on allergies and sinuses. Be sure to visit Dr. Moore’s website and follow her on Twitter for more updates on her upcoming speaking engagements and work.
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