Tag: allergies

Spring into Allergy and Sinus Relief

Posted on March 25, 2019

Spring into allergy and sinus relief

There are so many things to enjoy about the spring season. Baseball season, gardening, and just being able to spend more time outdoors are just a few of the things that make the spring season amazing!

But, want to know one thing that doesn’t make spring so great? The wonderful pollen that falls from the sky and onto our cars and clothing, causing us to sneeze, cough and feel just plain awful.

Fortunately, our team at Excel ENT of Alabama wants you to know that your spring season can still be an enjoyable one—even if you do suffer from spring allergies, and here’s how:

 

But First—What Are Allergies?

 

It is very common for allergies and sinus infections to be mistaken for one another. As a result, it is important if you are unsure whether your symptoms are related to allergies or a sinus infection that you seek medical treatment from an ENT specialist to ensure you are given the right treatment plan for your condition.

Check out our post about how you can tell the difference between allergies and sinus infections.

Many times allergy symptoms can turn into a sinus infection if not treated properly. Therefore, if you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with allergies, it is important to schedule an appointment with an ENT to prevent your condition from turning into a more serious problem like sinusitis (sinus infection) or chronic sinusitis.

 

Take Action Against Allergies

 

Of course, the best way to treat allergy symptoms is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Let’s take a look at some ways you can reduce your risk of suffering from allergies this spring, starting with:

  • Avoiding exposing yourself to things you know will cause allergy symptoms.
  • Getting exercise on a regular basis.
  • Making sure you wash your hands frequently.
  • Quitting smoking if you are a smoker.
  • Showering when you are home for the night.
  • Taking over-the-counter allergy medications like Xyzal, Zyrtec, Claritin, etc.
  • Trying a humidifier at night to assist with any congestion.
  • Using nasal spray (saline solution) or a neti pot.

However, if symptoms are still strong after trying these home remedies and over-the-counter allergy medications, it is time to seek treatment from a knowledgeable and experienced ENT specialist.

 

When to See an ENT for a Sinus Infection

 

Sinus infections can happen from time to time, especially when allergens are at their worst (i.e., spring and summer). But, there is a difference between a sinus infection here and there and constant sinus infections (also known as “chronic sinusitis”) that last for months.

Symptoms of chronic sinusitis include:

  • Decreased sense of smell
  • Discolored nasal discharge
  • Facial pain (including pressure and/or fullness)
  • Nasal congestion
  • Nasal obstruction
  • Thick nasal discharge

If you have been fighting off sinus infections for more than three months, it is time to seek medical attention to regain your quality of life. Especially if antibiotics have been of no relief, it is time to discuss other treatment methods available.

 

We Are Here to Help!

 

Depending on the severity of symptoms, sometimes avoiding the allergens that cause you problems and a prescription nasal spray or other sinus medication can be helpful. However, if your symptoms turn into chronic sinusitis, surgical procedures like balloon sinuplasty might be a better option.

Contact our office today to schedule an appointment so you can find relief sooner rather than later to start enjoying a wonderful spring season!

Allergies vs. Sinuses – What’s the Difference?

Posted on October 18, 2018

Woman with arms outstretched

Allergies vs Sinuses

 

Hello, allergy and sinus season! Between a stuffy nose, headache, and everything in between, it can seem as though the symptoms keep coming on in different ways, which can confuse you as to what you might be suffering from.

Fortunately, the team at Excel ENT of Alabama has some “tricks of the trade” when it comes to finding out whether or not you are suffering from allergies or sinuses.

AHH-CHOO!

As soon as the weather changes, it seems as though the sniffles and coughs come with it. But, who is the culprit? Allergies or a sinus infection?

While the answer sometimes cannot always be clear, the team at Excel ENT of Alabama wants you to know there are signs that might point in one direction or the other.

Is It a Sinus Infection?

A sinus infection is a very common medical condition that affects more than 30 million people living in the United States every year. As a result, it makes it one of the most commonly diagnosed medical conditions among Americans.

Symptoms of a sinus infection include:

  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Facial tenderness and/or swelling
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Pain in back of eyes, ears, and/or forehead
  • Loss of smell
  • Nasal congestion
  • Runny nose
  • Sinus pressure
  • Sore throat

While sinus infections can be taken care of with plenty of rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications (like decongestants and antibiotics), there can come a time where more medical intervention is needed.

Therefore, if you continue to suffer from a sinus infection for more than 4 to 6 weeks, you might want to speak to an ear, nose, and throat physician who can guide you through other treatment options, including surgery.

What About Allergies?

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, allergies are one of the most chronic diseases in the United States. While more than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies each year, as stated by the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, most symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, and allergy shots, if necessary.

The following are the most common signs of allergies, including:

  • Cough
  • Fever
  • Hives
  • Itchy, watery eyes
  • Rash
  • Runny nose
  • Skin irritation
  • Sneezing

Because more serious allergies (like to certain foods and drugs) can cause life-threatening symptoms in patients, it is important for people who suffer from allergies undergo allergy testing in case an EpiPen is needed.

Are you tired of suffering from sinus infection after sinus infection? We don’t blame you! Contact the experienced team at Excel ENT of Alabama today to schedule an appointment to discuss  the right treatment option for you!