Allergies are the result of the immune system becoming activated due to a substance known as an allergen. Many allergies affect the sinuses if allergens are inhaled, leading to a runny nose, inflammation, nasal congestion and headaches. There are many different ways to treat these types of allergies.
Allergen Avoidance
The simplest way to relieve severe sinus allergies is to try to avoid the triggering allergen, the American Academy of Otolaryngology explains. Patients can do this by avoiding pollen and other airborne allergens and by installing special air filters that will remove allergens from air circulating at home.
Nasal Irrigation
Regular irrigation of the sinuses using a device such as a Neti pot can help relieve severe sinus allergies, the Mayo Clinic website reports. With a Neti pot, a mild saline solution is poured into the sinuses where it can remove mucus and flush out the nasal passages.
Medications
A variety of medications can be used to relieve nasal allergies, MedlinePlus explains. These include corticosteroids, antihistamines and decongestants. Patients can also receive allergy shots, which consist of injections of small amounts of allergens to desensitize the immune system.
