How many times have you found yourself sniffling and sneezing only to assume you’ve picked up a virus somewhere? While this can most certainly be the case, what people don’t realize is that often it’s not a cold at all. Rather, it is sinus issues or allergies causing your symptoms.
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, allergies are the sixth leading cause of all chronic illnesses in the country. They cost the country more than $18 billion per year! It is estimated that more than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies of some sort.
So, why does it matter if you have allergies, a common cold, or sinus issues? Well, it will change the treatment plan and it can help you to prevent flare-ups once you know what is causing the symptoms.
“Here’s a closer look at what
causes sinus issues, some common
symptoms, and treatments.”
What are Sinus Issues and Who Gets Them?
Sinus issues are easy to understand. They happen when the sinus passageways become blocked. Once they are blocked, the sinuses can’t drain as they are meant to, which then causes pressure, pain, and even infection. Sinus issues are different than allergies in that they tend to be based on three things. There is the amount of swelling you get in your nose, how much room you have in your nose, and how big the sinus openings are.
What this means is that you can be born with small sinus openings, have no allergies whatsoever, and still suffer from sinus issues.
Why Do Sinus Infections Seem to Get Worse Each Time You Get One?
Unfortunately, for people who suffer from sinus infections, it is something that gets worse each time. The problem is that each time you have a sinus infection, there is a tiny amount of scar tissue that forms on the sinus openings and it stays there. As that scar tissue builds with each infection, your sinus openings get smaller and smaller, making the infection seem worse each time.
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Outside Triggers Can Make Sinus Problems Worsen
It’s bad enough to deal with sinus problems, but there are outside factors and triggers that can actually make the symptoms more pronounced and uncomfortable. This includes such things as dryness in the air, hormonal changes, altitude, chemical sensitivities, temperature changes, cigarette smoke, allergies, air pollution, and a common cold. Each of these can increase the amount of swelling in the sinus passageways, which means it’s harder to breathe and function.
What to Do About Chronic Sinus Issues?
If you suspect you are dealing with chronic sinus issues, then it’s best to make an appointment with a doctor in order to get a proper diagnosis and discuss treatment options. Rather than just getting an appointment with your regular doctor, you may want to consider speaking to an allergy specialist. An example of this can be seen through centers like Advanced ENT & Allergy in Colorado who specifically deal with those suffering from allergies and sinus issues.
Some of the common symptoms of sinus infections can include nausea, fatigue, bad breath, a sore throat, a cough that tends to be worse at night, ear pain, aching in the teeth and jaw, pain and tenderness of the cheeks/nose/eyes/forehead, difficulty breathing, and a thick discharge from the nose.
There are a number of treatment options available including nasal corticosteroids, antibiotics, surgery, and immunotherapy among others.
Have you or a loved one suffered from sinus problems?
Share your thoughts and comments with us.
Thank you for this post! It is that time of year when the drier air makes my sinuses more susceptible to issues, so this is helpful information.