Is It Allergies…or Sinusitis?

From Health Solutions Newsletter

This article ends with a list of things to look for when you are trying to determine if your sneezing, runny nose and discomfort are from allergies or if you have come down with sinusitis. Thanks to Health Solutions for the use of this article from their newsletter.

Ah...choo! It's allergy season and it seems like everyone is suffering from a runny or stuffed
nose. In fact, a recent survey found that almost 40 percent of American consumers feel just
like Snow White's friend, Sneezy, this time of year. But is it really allergies that are making
them feel so "sneezy" or something else, like a full blown sinus infection?

Each year, 37 million Americans suffer from sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses) resulting
in nearly 12 million doctor visits. Symptoms of sinus-related conditions can be debilitating
for many sufferers. In fact, in a recent survey of 1,008 consumers and 127 physicians, more
than one half (54 percent) of consumers said they lost sleep at least twice during allergy
season last year due to sinus-related symptoms, causing them to be less alert at work the
next day. Twenty-five percent of consumers also reported missing at least 3 days of work or
school due to illness during allergy season last year.

Symptoms Are Similar

Experts say it's important patients know that while symptoms may seem similar, there are
differences between allergies, a viral infection like a cold, and a bacterial sinus infection
because treatment options differ. Fifty-one percent of physicians surveyed said they believe
that patients with sinus-related symptoms wait too long before coming in to see them for
treatment.

"Allergy symptoms tend to disappear when you are away from the source. In other words,
when you're no longer near that cat or tree that makes you sneeze and your eyes itch or
water, your symptoms will go away," said Dr. Robert Knox, an ear, nose and throat specialist
from the University of Louisville.

"With a cold, the typical runny nose and other symptoms tend to go away or lessen after
about a week. But a bacterial sinus infection lasts longer. The mucus tends to thicken and
discolor, and there's usually pain associated with it."

Sinusitis

Sinusitis, caused by a bacterial infection, can occur as a late complication of a common
cold. Nasal congestion produces swelling in the sinus cavity, obstructing drainage and
causing mucus to stagnate. Unfortunately, this provides a perfect breeding ground for
infection.

Sinusitis becomes chronic when it lasts longer than three months. Chronic sinusitis may be
caused by a bacterial infection but is more often a chronic inflammatory disorder. Other
causes for chronic sinusitis are immune problems or structural abnormalities in the nasal
cavity.

Although colds are the most common cause of sinusitis, people suffering from allergies also
may be predisposed to the development of sinusitis. Interestingly, in the survey endorsed
by the American Academy of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) and
supported by the Bayer Corporation, consumers reported 39 percent of their sinus
infections began as simple allergies. According to Dr. Knox, as with colds, irritation from
allergies can cause sinuses to become inflamed and filled with mucus, resulting in blockage
of vital nasal drainage-which also can cause infection.

Sinus infections generally require a combination of medications. Some medicines treat
symptoms and others treat infections. In addition to an appropriate antibiotic, when the
sinus infection is bacterial, doctors also may prescribe a medicine to keep the sinus
passages open by reducing obstruction and helping to control the allergy.

The Hydro Pulse® Nasal / Sinus Irrigation System is a soothing drug free device to relieve
symptoms caused by sinus infections, allergies and the common cold including: post nasal
drip, cough, congestion, sinus headaches, and irritated nasal passages. This natural drug
free device helps prevent sinus infections and relieve associated pain and pressure

Allergy Signs
Sneezing & a stuffy or runny nose
Clear or whitish nasal drip
Itchy watery eyes
A burning sensation in the eyes or nose

Sinusitis Signs
Fever
Pain in the upper teeth
Pressure or pain in upper cheeks, top of nose, between eyes or forehead
Stuffed nose, mucous is thick and yellow, greenish or grayish
Symptoms last more than 10-14 days

Source: NAPSI
© Copyright 2004 Health Solutions Medical Products Corp.