People who have sinus allergies react to certain triggers with flare-ups that can bring on unpleasant symptoms such as eye, teeth and mouth pain, tenderness around the eyes and forehead, and a runny nose. Allergy attacks can also cause headaches, coughs and sore throats, and interrupt sleeping. Untreated, sinus allergies can turn to fever and lethargy.
Step 1
Use a sinus irrigation system, such as a neti pot, to drain excess mucus that causes runny nose and post-nasal drip. Consultants at the Allergy Relief Center report that warm water also can help to heal cilia (tiny hairs) in the nasal pathways that trap harmful allergens.
Step 2
Keep your body hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day. Use a humidifier to add additional moisture in the air.
Step 3
Take prescription antihistamines to relieve the symptoms of an allergic sinus attacks. Allergist Dr. Wellington S. Tichenor reports that newer products do not cause drowsiness and are made with a decongestant to treat sinuses more effectively. Products recommended by Tichenor include Allegra, Claritin, Zyrtec and Clarinex.
Step 4
Try over-the-counter nasal sprays for short periods of time (not more than for a couple of days at a time). While the nasal sprays can relieve allergy symptoms, they can actually cause additional allergy symptoms if overused. Products to try include Nasalcrom, Flonase and Atrovent.
Step 5
Relieve allergy symptoms in the eyes with over-the-counter eye drops. Like nasal sprays, though, eye drops can exacerbate sinuses and should be used sparingly. Prescription eye drops that reduce redness and itching may be needed.
Step 6
Utilize stronger medication such as oral prescription steroids to treat more severe symptoms. While steroids like Prednisone and Medrol work well to dry up sinuses, they also bring side effects. Long-term use of steroids can cause ulcers, psychosis and bone deterioration.
Step 7
Treat persistent allergy sinus problems with allergy shots. Allergy shots work best for people whose symptoms do not respond to other treatments. Allergy shots expose a patient to the materials that cause the symptoms in order to desensitize the body to the substances. Initially, shots are administered once or twice a week for anywhere from three to 12 months. After the maximum dose has been delivered, patients typically get booster shots once a month.
Tips and Warnings
- Begin treatments for sinus infections immediately, and continue treatment for 10 to 14 days to reduce the risk of infections and abscesses.
- Avoid the triggers that cause the allergic reactions, especially once allergy symptoms have been set off. Common allergy triggers include smoke and pollen. Also avoid bending over and extreme temperatures while treating an allergy reaction.
Things You'll Need
- Neti pot
- Humidifier
- Antihistamines
- Nasal spray
- Eye drops
- Steroids
- Allergy shots
