Allergic rhinitis, also known as "hay fever," is an allergic condition that typically occurs during springtime and affects your sinus cavities, according to Medline Plus. The Mayo Clinic states hay fever can make a person feel miserable due to the constant symptoms. An allergic reaction to dust mites, pollen or pet dander is at the root of hay fever, which causes a runny nose, nasal congestion and can lead to sinusitis--a sinus infection. A person with hay fever should remain under a doctor's care in order to monitor the sinus cavity to prevent sinusitis from developing.
Cause
The cause of allergic rhinitis is an allergy to an environmental substance such as mold, dust mites or pollen. When your body encounters one of these substances, it over-reacts, releasing chemicals in your body to fight off the unrecognized substance. The chemicals your immune system releases cause the common allergic reaction symptoms such as watery eyes, nasal discharge and congestion.
Relationship
The Mayo Clinic states prolonged hay fever can make a person more susceptible to developing a sinus infection. Hay fever can cause your sinus cavity to become inflamed and swollen, restricting your ability to properly drain mucus and breathe. The trapped mucus creates the perfect environment for bacteria or a virus to set in. If this happens, you will develop a sinus infection.
Treatment--Hay Fever
Treatment for sinusitis resulting from hay fever takes a few different approaches. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, the use of antihistamines, decongestants and steroid-based nasal sprays are effective methods to treat the hay fever symptoms. Antihistamines help to reduce the amount of histamine in your blood, reducing your allergic reaction symptoms. Decongestants reduce the size of your swollen sinus membranes, allowing mucus to drain; and prescribed steroid-based nasal sprays help to keep your nasal cavity from reacting to allergens.
Treatment--Sinusitis
According to the Mayo Clinic, most cases of acute sinusitis do not require the use of antibiotics, due to the fact that your body can fight off the infection on its own. You should consult with your doctor for a recommendation concerning antibiotics. If the sinus infection persists, you may need antibiotics to kill the infection. Other treatments for a sinus infection from allergic rhinitis include saline sprays and nasal washes, decongestants and pain relievers, the Mayo Clinic states.
Considerations
A person who suffers from constant allergic rhinitis should talk with an allergist to determine the specific cause of the allergic reaction. Removing or avoiding the allergen may reduce symptoms, especially in the case of mold or pet dander, as they are easier to avoid. An allergist may recommend allergy shots to improve your quality of life.
