An allergy involves a reaction by your immune system, often to common substances. Sinusitis and allergies are often mistaken for one another. But they are two separate conditions. Most patients can't tell the difference between allergies and sinus problems. An ENT doctor can help determine the cause of your symptoms and provide treatment. South Coast Ear, Nose & Throat (offices in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, and Okeechobee, FL, offers treatments for allergies. Read on to find out how allergies affect your sinuses.

Sinusitis Causes & Symptoms

Sinus infection, also called sinusitis, is a common condition in which the cavities around nasal passages become swollen and inflamed. Sinusitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergies, an autoimmune reaction, or fungal infections. Symptoms of sinusitis may include nasal discharge, nasal obstruction or congestion, and pain. Other symptoms can include ear pain, sore throat, fatigue, nausea, and coughing. Chronic sinusitis lasts several weeks and can linger for years.

Allergies Causes & Symptoms

An allergy is a condition in which the immune system reacts abnormally to a foreign substance, such as food, animal dander, mold, or pollen. The allergen stimulates immune system cells to release certain chemicals, which then lead to symptoms. If you've got allergies, you're more likely to have sinus problems. Allergies can produce many of the same cold-like symptoms as sinusitis, including sinus pressure, a runny nose, and congestion. Allergies can also affect your throat. Postnasal drip can cause an allergy-induced sore throat.

How Allergies Cause Sinusitis

Whether you're sneezing, wheezing, coughing, or allergies can make any great day your worst nightmare, especially if these symptoms grow into something much larger, like a sinus infection. Allergies can lead a person to develop a sinus infection if the symptoms are not remedied immediately. Allergies can cause sinus infection because the inside of your sinusitis and nose often swell up when you breathe in triggers.

Visit With an ENT Specialist

If allergy symptoms continue to bother you, then it's time to see a doctor for an evaluation. Your doctor can conduct allergy tests and offer treatment that produces the best results. There are several types of medications available to treat your allergy symptoms. These medications include antihistamines, decongestants, combination drugs, and others. Allergy shots help you get used to the substances that trigger an allergic reaction. Each allergy shot contains a small amount of the substances that are causing your symptoms.

Allergies are painful and unpleasant. They can interfere with your day-to-day activities and decrease the quality of your life. Don't wait- call one of South Coast Ear, Nose & Throat's offices to make an appointment- Port St. Lucie, FL, (772) 398-9911; Fort Pierce, FL-(772) 464-6055; Okeechobee, FL, (863) 357-7791. We want you to live your best possible life!