Mucus Membranes
People who suffer from allergies or hay fever suffer chronic nasal symptoms such as acute sinusitis. These nasal responses cause the nasal membranes to swell in much the same way as a cold virus does, explains the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. It leads to air and mucus becoming trapped in the narrowed openings of the sinuses. The mucus stays inside the sinuses and is unable to drain into the nose. The nose becomes a source of normally harmless bacteria in the nose and throat. This same bacteria usually cause no problems in healthy people. But as the allergy sufferer sniffs or blows the nose, it causes more pressure changes to bacteria, which multiply inside the sinuses. Reactions may also include the redness and itching of conjunctivitis, sneezing and coughing, puffy eyes and a feeling of grogginess.
Substances
Many airborne substances can cause these nasal reactions for allergy sufferers. Pollens released by flowering plants, pet dander, dust in the home and toxic mold can cause allergies and sinus inflammation. Other allergy factors that compound blocked sinuses include a weakened immune system, not enough rest, frequent swimming, overuse of decongestants and a history of asthma. Food allergies are also causes of sinus allergy by producing more mucus and inflammation. Among the culprits that form too much mucus in allergy sufferers are milk, cheese, cream and other dairy products. Soy beans and soy-derived products can also lead to sinus problems. If you have constant attacks of sinus infection, it is believed you should avoid eggs and poultry as well.
Infections
Allergy sufferers need to completely clear their sinus infections to keep the disorder at bay and stop it from returning or continuing, according to The Allergy Relief Center. Decongestants and antihistamines are usually used to treat allergies and provide sinus relief. It is also important to treat and prevent the symptoms by using allergy medicine regularly, installing filters in the home, using humidifiers to drain and thin mucous, avoiding cigarette smoke and other pollutants and drinking plenty of fluids to increase the body's moisture content. Treatment should be continued for 10 to 14 days. For chronic sinusitis, treatment should be continued for up to three or four weeks. Surgery may be necessary to clean and drain the sinuses or to repair nasal polyps if they are causing the problem. Continued treatment is important to avoid further problems such as sinus or dental abscesses and other infections.
