Sinus Allergy Specialist Q&A

If your sinus issues are related to allergies, or you experience frequent and recurring sinus infections, an allergist/immunologist can provide excellent diagnostic services and various treatment options depending on the nature of your allergies and the status of your immune system.
Sinus issues are a common symptom of allergies, while frequent and recurring sinus infections are a sign of a weakened immune system.

With that in mind, an allergist/immunologist can evaluate your condition to determine if your sinus issues are related to allergies or a weakened immune system.

Some of the treatment options that an allergist/immunologist can provide for sinus issues include the following:

• Allergen avoidance
• Immunotherapy, which is also known as allergy shots
• Medication, including over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription antihistamines, decongestants, or corticosteroids

While both sinusitis and allergic rhinitis have several of the same symptoms in common, they refer to different illnesses or conditions. Some of the common symptoms of sinusitis and rhinitis include nasal congestion, headache, postnasal drip, decreased sense of smell and taste, sore throat, and more.

With that being said, sinusitis refers to inflammation of the lining inside the sinuses, which are small air pockets or cavities located behind your cheekbones, forehead, and nose, and also in between your eyes. Sinusitis is most commonly caused by a viral or bacterial infection.

In contrast, allergic rhinitis, which is also referred to as hay fever, occurs when an individual inhales an allergen, causing inflammation in the nose as your immune system releases histamine and antibodies to attack and eliminate the allergen.

Sinus allergies can develop into a sinus infection, as the buildup of fluid due to swelling and inflammation in the nasal cavity can impede the ability of your sinuses to drain properly. As a result, the fluid buildup enables an environment where bacteria can grow and multiply. With that in mind, it is important to seek effective treatment and intervention methods when you are dealing with sinus allergies so that your sinuses can drain properly and avoid a bacterial sinus infection.

If allergic sinusitis or rhinitis is left untreated, it can become a chronic issue, which may lead to various complications, such as the following:

• Acute or chronic sinus infections
• Airway complications
• Chronic nasal inflammation and obstruction
• Dental complications due to increased mouth breathing
• Dysfunction within the eustachian tube, which is located between the nasal cavity and middle ear
• Ear infections, such as otitis media, also known as a middle ear infection
• Sleep apnea or other sleep issues
• Upper respiratory tract infections

If you would like to learn more about sinus allergies or want to schedule an appointment with our allergist/immunologist at Piniella Asthma + Allergy, we would be pleased to hear from you! You can schedule an appointment through our website, or please feel welcome you give us a call. Piniella Asthma + Allergy has two clinics located in Coral Gables and Palmetto Bay, Florida. We serve patients from Coral Gables FL, Palmetto Bay FL, Westchester FL, Brownsville FL, Kendall FL, Pinecrest FL, Richmond West FL, and Goulds FL.