Are your spring allergies leading to sinus infections?

Sinusitis, or sinus infection, occurs when viruses or bacteria enter the sinuses, causing inflammation. This results in pain, pressure, fever, runny nose and headaches. Sinus infections can be short-lived, lasting only a few days to a week; or much longer, lasting weeks, months or even years for those with chronic sinus infections.

Many things can make individuals more prone to having sinus infections. Having spring allergies is one of them.

How To Know It’s a Sinus Infection

Sinus infections can sometimes be hard to identify. Symptoms may look a lot like allergies or a common cold. Stephanie Cole, MD, a provider with ProMedica Physicians Ear, Nose and Throat, explains that the best way to tell the difference is by paying attention to the symptom cycle.

“If you’re about five to seven days into a cold and you notice your symptoms start to get better but then worsen again, and you’re experiencing pain and pressure in the sinuses, it’s likely a sinus infection,” Dr. Cole explains.

Treatment

If you feel a cold or sinus infection coming on, Dr. Cole recommends that you begin using a nasal saline spray and take over-the-counter pain relievers and decongestants to help relieve pain and congestion. If symptoms do not improve or improve and then worsen within five to seven days, it’s time to see a provider. If you experience a high fever, severe swelling or vision changes, seek care with your provider, urgent care or emergency room immediately.

To treat a sinus infection, your provider will likely prescribe a round of antibiotics. A nasal saline spray may also be recommended for short-term symptom relief. For individuals with chronic or recurring sinus infections, nasal and possibly oral steroids may be prescribed.  A nose and sinus procedure may help minimize sinus infections for those who get them often.

Prevention

“If you’re prone to sinus infections, the best thing that you can do is take preventive measures,” Dr. Cole shares. If you have spring allergies, put these three tips into action now to reduce your risk of a sinus infection this spring.

1. Use a nasal steroid spray. It takes long-term use of a nasal steroid spray for it to be effective in preventing sinus infections. Begin using a nasal spray consistently now before a sinus infection occurs.
2. Take allergy medicine. Depending on your allergy, you can take prescription or over-the-counter antihistamines daily or when you begin experiencing allergic symptoms.
3. Avoid allergens. If possible, avoid exposing yourself to known allergens. Monitor the pollen counts in your area and stay indoors on high-pollen days, use an air purifier in your home, and vacuum and dust often.

Allergies are never any fun, but with a little foresight and preparation, their effects will hopefully be reduced.

Stephanie Cole, MD
Dr. Cole is an otolaryngologist with ProMedica Physicians Ear, Nose and Throat. View her profile.