Allergic sinusitis is an inflammatory sinus condition that occurs in response to exposure to specific allergens, such as dust, pollen or pet dander. Over 10 percent of people under the age of 45 within the United States experience symptoms of chronic sinusitis, report health officials at the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.
Nasal, Throat or Eye Itching
The symptom that distinguishes allergic sinusitis from nonallergic sinusitis is a sensation of itching within the nose, throat or eyes, explains the website for the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. This sensation can cause an affected patient to frequently scratch or rub his nose or eyes or repeatedly clear his throat. As a result, a patient's nose or eyes may appear red and irritated. Itching within the throat may also be accompanied by discomfort or mild sensations of pain, which may make it difficult to swallow.
Nasal Congestion
Patients with allergic sinusitis can develop nasal congestion as a symptom of this condition when exposed to an allergy trigger, explains the Merck Manual of Health and Aging, an online medical encyclopedia for healthcare professionals. Nasal congestion can cause excess mucus to build up within the nasal passageways making it difficult for affected patients to breathe through the nose normally. Nasal mucus may run out of the nose, which may cause a patient to repeatedly sniff or blow her nose. Certain patients with allergic sinusitis can also experience post-nasal drip. If this occurs, mucus from the nose can run backwards into the throat, causing irritation and discomfort. These symptoms may contribute to a decrease in a patient's sense of taste or smell, which may result in a decreased appetite.
Headache or Sinus Pressure
Congestion within the sinuses can cause headache or pressure to develop in certain patients. Painful headache typically occurs in the middle of the forehead and may be accompanied by pressure or fullness within the face, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Headache pain can be mild to severe and may extend into the cheeks, eyes or jaw. Certain patients may also experience facial swelling as a symptom of allergic sinusitis.
Fatigue or Irritability
Sinus congestion and headache symptoms resulting from allergic sinusitis can lead to sleeping difficulties in certain patients. Breathing problems may cause patients to wake frequently throughout the night, leading to symptoms of daytime fatigue or drowsiness. If this occurs, affected patients may have difficulty concentrating at work or school and may be unusually irritable, explains Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
