Sinus and Allergy Doctor in Coral Gables and Palmetto Bay, FL

Yes, an allergist can help with sinus issues. Allergists are board-certified physicians who have considerable training in the diagnosing and nonsurgical treatment of sinus issues. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the tissues of the sinuses and can be caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, and allergies. When the sinuses become inflamed, germs can remain in them and can cause congestion, infection, and facial pressure. An allergist can diagnose the causes of your symptoms and provide the right treatment, whether it is an allergy or sinus infection. They can also put together a plan to prevent recurring events.

Allergies and sinus infections can be quite miserable and both of them have a direct impact on the sinuses. While these two conditions have some similar effects on the body, they are different.

Allergies are the result of your immune system treating normal substances as toxic to the body. The reaction to pollen, pet dander, dust, and mold in this way is thought to be a faulty reaction by the immune system. A sinus infection happens when the nasal passages or sinuses become infected. Both conditions can cause inflammation of the sinuses such as a stuffed-up nose.

So, allergies and sinuses can be related. However, not all allergic reactions will affect the sinuses. If you have an allergy or allergies, then understanding which symptoms are related to which allergy is important, especially when trying to treat the symptoms.

Allergies are an immune system response to certain natural elements. An allergic reaction happens when the immune system treats a harmless substance as though it is a kind of toxin to the body. The response is often inflammation and pain, or even more severe in some cases.

When a person inhales a substance that they are allergic to, the sinuses become swollen or inflamed. This is often referred to as hay fever. Allergic reactions to inhaled substances like pollen, dust, and pet dander can look like sinusitis.

While allergic reactions can trigger sinusitis, sinus infections do not cause allergies. If you have allergies, a sinus infection can make your allergy symptoms worse.

Sinus infections and allergies have some similar symptoms, such as swelling of the nasal passages. These can cause headaches and the feeling of pressure in the face. But there are some differences that can make each more identifiable.

Allergies can appear without warning and can change with the season. Sinus infections will likely follow a cold or other viral infection.

Allergic reactions or symptoms include:

• Symptoms that occur at specific times of the year
• Symptoms that can come and go
• Symptoms that occur in certain situations, like a house with a cat or a pet store
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Thin, clear, or watery discharge from the nose
• Frequent sneezing

A person with a sinus infection will have:

• Thick and colored mucus, usually green or yellow
• Symptoms that are not related to certain situations or locations
• Pain in the gums
• Bad breath
• Intense facial pressure
• Reduced smell or taste
• Fever

Piniella Asthma + Allergy has a trained team of allergy professionals who can provide the care you need for allergies and sinus infections. We provide friendly and professional service and are happy to help. Please call or use the online system to book an appointment. We serve patients from Coral Gables FL, Palmetto Bay FL, Westchester FL, Brownsville FL, Kendall FL, Pinecrest FL, Richmond West FL, and Goulds FL.