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.
