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Patient Information & Education
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offer our patient information and education section
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Sinus Infections and Allergies
In Adults
The average adult has three to five respiratory infections
per year. These usually begin with sneezing and nasal
drainage, with subsequent development of thick mucus,
nasal congestion, sore throat, and coughing. These often
last 7 to 10 days and are usually viral infections that
cause sinus inflammation, which do NOT improve with
antibiotic therapy. A true sinus infection is defined
as persistent symptoms that last beyond 10 to 14 days.
Exposure
to cigarette smoke, environmental irritants, persons
prone to infections, chronic allergies, and hereditary
factors will make some people more likely to develop
infections. If symptoms persist after proper medical
treatment, surgery may be necessary to open the obstructed
sinuses to allow for ventilation and drainage of the
sinuses. Sinus surgery usually does not eliminate the
occurrence of infections, but it may help reduce the
severity and frequency of sinus symptoms. Of course,
medical treatment is often needed even after successful
surgery.
Many
environmental irritants can cause symptoms that worsen
or mimic symptoms of allergies. This may include burning
or itching of the eyes, nose, throat, lungs, nasal congestion,
cough, and/or wheezing. Examples of irritants are tobacco
smoke, perfumes, hair spray, household chemicals, and
outdoor ozone. Medications and allergy shots are not
usually effective for the treatment of symptoms from
irritants.
The
best treatment for these problems is avoidance of irritants.
Patients should make every effort to stop smoking or
avoid those who do smoke. When air pollution levels
are high, stay indoors as much as possible. Air conditioning
filters should be changed several times a year. The
use of HEPA (high efficiency particle arresting) filters
is recommended at home and in the workplace. They are
usually available at many stores that sell appliances
and air conditioners. Although relief is often incomplete,
exposure to irritants can be combated with nasal saline
(salt water) spray used several times a day to rinse
the nasal cavity. Antihistamines and decongestants may
be helpful, and sometimes nasal steroid sprays are necessary.
When
treating allergies, it is important to reduce exposure
to triggers in the environment that may initiate or
worsen allergy symptoms. The following general health
rules may also improve immune function, possible leading
to a decrease in respiratory and allergy symptoms
- Eat
a balanced and regular diet that includes fruit, vegetable,
and grains.
- Exercise
on a regular basis after being cleared to do so by
your primary physician.
- Follow
the guidelines for medical management as outlined
by your physician.
Specific Guidelines to Reduce Irritants and Allergy Triggers
- Avoid
sources of dust such as stuffed animals, feather pillows,
and down comforters. Keep closet doors closed. Vacuum
mattresses and box springs, and then cover them (and
pillows) with plastic covers. Avoid fuzzy-surfaced
wool and cotton blankets, chenille bedspreads, and
down comforters. Carpet should be professionally cleaned
on a regular basis. Washable window shades are preferable
to drapes and Venetian blinds. Try to maintain a relative
humidity in the home of 40-50 percent.
- Dusting
should be done frequently, with the use of a pollen
mask if needed. Use a damp cloth to clean the room
from top to bottom, with attention to walls, molding,
shelves, pictures, closets, and furniture. Wet mopping
is preferable to sweeping. Water-filter vacuum cleaners
are recommended to capture dust, and vacuums with
HEPA filters are the most efficient.
- To
treat house dust mites in the carpet, consider using
ACAROSAN, which is brushed into carpets and vacuumed
after several hours. This is available without prescription
at pharmacies and hospital supply outlets.
- Pollen
levels are increased by wind, heat, and dryness. Since
levels are highest in the early morning, plan activities
to diminish exposure. Pollen masks may be used to
decrease exposure. Saline nasal spray may be used
to rinse the nose.
- Molds
thrive in moist environments where air circulation
is poor. Avoid leaving damp clothes in closets and
avoid exposure to basements. Check windows, air conditioners,
vaporizers, humidifiers, bathroom walls/floors, and
tiles for mold. Clean with dilute bleach (1 pint diluted
in 1 gallon of water) and remove obviously moldy objects
such as old shoes, books, plants, and wet carpet.
Hose plants should be moved outside if possible. Avoid
compost piles, leaf piles, and grass clippings. Use
dustproof covers on mattresses, boxsprings, and pillows.
- Pets
often worsen allergic symptoms. Try to keep them outside
(or at least out of the bedroom). Cat dander can persist
for several months even after cats are removed from
the house.
- Chemicals
may cause problems for some people that are sensitive
to them. Avoidance is the key in this situation. Sources
of indoor pollution include gas appliances, newsprint,
insecticides, plastics, nail polish removers, cements/adhesives,
and dyes from clothing/furniture.
Following these environmental guidelines plays a large
role in the prevention and treatment of chronic sinus
and allergic diseases.
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