Question:
I've had recurring sinus problems for about
a year now. I think it's connected to allergies. I never really had
allergies that I was aware of except occasional eye itching from certain
cats. But the last couple of years I sometimes wake up with very puffy eyes.
Then the sinus thing started, but it's not the type where my nose is
stuffed. I breathe fine, but I still can feel mucous that just sits in my
throat. It's some very thick sticky stuff! A couple times it has grown into
a more serious cold/broncitis thing with a nasty fog horn cough, and a
couple times the dr could tell the PND in my throat was infected, I guess by
being green? and put me on antibiotics. I saw on one of the posts below the
term "allergic rhinitis"... I've never heard of this before, so am wondering
if that's what I have? I have a cat but I've had her for 15 years and her
hair has never bothered me... but then maybe it is... I'm just confused as
to why this is happening and it keeps coming back... is it all just
allergies?
Answer:
Sinus problems can cause pretty severe flu-cold-bronchitis like symptoms.
Once a bug starts growing in plugged up sinuses, you can get sick all over,
with fever, sore throat, coughing, general pain, etc. These conditions often get better with antibiotics. I started going to a
doctor right away especially if I thought it was a sinus infection. For the
last one, I got prescribed Cipro for six weeks to knock out a particulatly
nasty infection. Basically, it's "acute sinusitis" at that stage -- but that
can be more than one type of bug, as I understand it. Most doctors link the sinus problems to alergy, but it can be anything.
Sinuses are supposed to be open and drain. They don't if they're irritated
by smoke, pollen, dust, stress, cold air. Lots of things can upset them in
sensitive people or those with structural problems in their sinus cavities. The "allergic rhinus" I think is basically runny nose or
congestion/irritation caused by an allergy-type reaction in the upper
respiratory tract. It's a pretty broad description. Once the sinuses are blocked, you might still breathe OK through your nose,
but deep inside, bad things can start
growing and further irritating the sinus membranes. The surrest signs that this is happening:
Post nasal drip causing a sore throat.
Sulphury or "swampy" taste or smell in the head.
Yellow or green mucus. So, this is a long way of answering your question. Yes, you might have
alergies, and even if yours show up more in puffy eyes, if your sinuses get
irritated and plugged up, you get problems. Doctors might tell you to take
Claritin or other decongestant to fight the symptoms. To me, the most important things have been:
Flushing out sinuses with warm salt water -- really sucking up mild salt
solution into your nose, letting some of it run down your throat, and
blowing it out.
Taking decongestants, but not too many.
Staying really hydrated -- more moisture in your body helps your sinuses
drain. If you are dry, things can really get plugged up in your head. Be very careful with nasal decongestant or antihistamine sprays. They can
cause dependence and bad rebound problems.
