Sinus
Allergies: A Painful Reminder of the Season
For
most Americans, the spring brings warm breezes, the summer
is filled with outdoor fun, and the fall is the perfect
time for a long walk. For millions of other Americans, however,
these seasons come with a feeling of dread. Sinus allergies—
also known as hay fever and allergic rhinitis—mean
months of congestion, headache, and watery eyes for those
cursed with them. As the most common reason for chronic
nose and sinus problems, sinus allergies may begin in early
childhood and last the rest of a person’s life.
Sinus
allergies, or allergic rhinitis, is defined as irritation
and swelling of the nasal passages. The symptoms of sinus
allergies may be caused by either seasonal or year-round
allergens. The symptoms of sinus allergies include the following:
- Runny
nose
- Sneezing
- Wheezing
- Congestion
- Itchy
nose, eyes, throat, and skin
- Post
nasal drip
- Coughing
- Headache
- Watery
eyes
- Sore
throat
There
are some risk factors that cause people to be more prone
to sinus allergies. These risk factors include having a
parent with sinus allergies, a mother who smoked during
pregnancy, and living in an urban setting. Some studies
have suggested that infants and children who are raised
around pets, particularly dogs, have a decreased risk for
sinus allergies.
While
they are not necessarily life-threatening, sinus allergies
are a serious health issue resulting in millions of missed
work days, school absenteeism, and lowered productivity.
In addition to time and productivity lost, sinus allergies
are very costly because of money spent on doctor visits
and medication. Further costs are incurred when sinus allergies
cause people to be more prone to sinus infections, colds,
the flu, and other illnesses.
The
treatment of sinus allergies focuses on easing the symptoms,
as there is no known cure for these allergic reactions.
Children with sinus allergies have the best chance of outgrowing
their allergies as their immune systems become more mature.
In most cases, unfortunately, sinus allergies will persist
throughout adulthood.
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