Progressive Sinusitis

At this time of the year among the most common observations are “Guess what? Another bad allergy season is on us”. It is akin to saying “It is getting warmer; it is hotter than last year”. In fact weather channel presenters on television channels have such stock phrases already keyed in their teleprompter. No need for writers to even think. The fact of the matter is it is all true.

Pollen counts are through the roof. It is a common sight to witness stuffy noses and watery eyes; Tissue sales are rising. Sinus infection is the condition and nomenclature. Most allergy patients are unable to discern the difference between sinus infection and allergic disorders.

Here is a simple guide to tell the difference

If you are suffering from a common cold with the symptoms of a congested nose then most probably you are treating it with OTC (over the counter) medication such as a decongestant. If this condition persists beyond 10 days then maybe you are suffering the aftereffects of an allergic reaction in which case you require histamine.

Now that you are aware of an allergy and if the stuffed nose or sinus condition lasts for several weeks then the following may happen -

You have itchy eyes and they are watery too. Your nasal passages are inflamed and mucus creation is an everyday affair. There is pressure in the face which you cannot pinpoint accompanied by headaches. Welcome to the world of chronic sinusitis. In medical parlance it is also called chronicallergic rhinitis or chronic rhino-sinusitis - too many definitions to explain a common thread – that of feeling miserable. Fortunately help is at hand – with proper diagnosis and skin prick testing it is possible to ascertain the allergen making your life miserable. Allergen immunotherapy is the way forward in treating such conditions.