Although most allergic reactions only cause minor symptoms, if you’ve been diagnosed with a severe allergic reaction, you may develop extreme symptoms. The most common allergic reactions that cause congestion are airborne allergies and food allergies. If you’ve been diagnosed with a severe allergic reaction, you are at risk of developing anaphylactic shock, a rare allergic reaction that could lead to death.
Allergic Rhinitis
The most common type of allergic reaction that causes sinus congestion is allergic rhinitis or hay fever. This type of allergic reaction is commonly the result of inhaling airborne particles, such as pollen, mold, dust and pet dander, according to MayoClinic.com. Hay fever commonly causes inflammation and irritation that develops throughout the head. Common symptoms include itchy eye, irritation in the throat and sinus congestion. There is no cure for allergic rhinitis, aside from avoiding the allergen. Treatment options include oral antihistamine medications and immunotherapy, which may help alleviate congestion and other symptoms.
Food Allergies
Another common cause of congestion from really bad allergies is a food allergy. Food allergies are the result of a hypersensitivity of the immune system to a certain protein found in a particular food, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. The most common foods that trigger an allergic reaction include fish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, milk and eggs, although your body can have an allergic reaction to any food. Nasal congestion is a symptom of a food allergy, along with diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, asthma, skin rashes and lightheadedness.
Congestion Symptoms
Sinus congestion from a severe allergic reaction can cause a wide array of symptoms, such as a runny nose, post-nasal drip, sinus pressure, headaches and facial tenderness. During an allergic reaction, the soft tissues in the sinus cavity become irritated and inflamed and histamine causes increased production of mucus. Inflammation of the sinus cavity leads to the inability to breathe, which can cause mucus to drip down the back of your throat, called post-nasal drip. Sinus headaches are pain that results from increased pressure placed on various parts of the face.
Treatment
Nasal congestion is commonly treated with over-the-counter medications and most effectively prevented by identifying the allergen and avoiding it. Common medications may include antihistamines, pain relievers and decongestants. Nasal spray decongestants should only be used for less than three consecutive days because they can make your congestion worse, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Talk with your doctor before using any over-the-counter medication.
