That tingly and itchy feeling that causes uncontrollable sneezing is a hassle for people with a sensitive nose. Imagine talking to someone who sneezes from time to time without warning. Disgusting right? Also, there’s the ugly factor that having a reddish nose brings. So what causes this? Is it sinusitis or allergy?
So how do you know which of these causes nose irritation? We’ll discuss the difference between them.
What Is an Allergy?
Allergy is a reaction of your immune system from a foreign substance otherwise called an allergen. Common substances that cause allergies are milk, pollen, dust, meats, nuts, etc. Some of the most common allergies that happen to people are skin allergies, food allergies, and allergic rhinitis.
Skin allergies usually happen whenever allergens contact the skin. They might also happen whenever the immune system produces antibodies that make the skin itchy inflamed or itchy. Common causes of skin allergy are dust, pollen, and cosmetics.
As the name implies, food allergies are caused by food such as milk, cheese, fish, shellfish, meats, and nuts. The symptoms of food allergies vary. Some make the person feel nausea, dizziness, itchiness, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and fever-like symptoms.
Allergic rhinitis is an allergic reaction that fine particles cause. People also know it by its other name – hay fever. Nevertheless, don’t get confused because dust from hay alone doesn’t cause allergic rhinitis. Sometimes. pollen, fine dust, soot, etc. also cause it.
It’s important to note that allergic rhinitis may cause sinusitis. It can inflame the nose lining which eventually develops into symptoms that makes you feel as if the nose is congested and painful.
What Is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is a condition that’s characterized by the inflammation of the nose lining. A person suffering from sinusitis will experience difficulties inhaling and periodic pains at the forehead, eyes, cheeks, and nose. It often accompanies other complications such as fever and allergies.
Causes of Allergies and Sinusitis
Viral Infection
Viruses that cause common cough, cold, and fever inflict sinusitis. Influenza virus, rhinovirus, and parainfluenza virus are the most common causes. These can be contracted through droplets or airborne transmission.
Allergy
Allergies cause sinusitis sometimes. Oftentimes, these are allergies that inflame the nose lining. Examples of allergies that cause sinusitis are hay fever, food allergy ( refined sugar, spicy foods, milk, tomatoes, and wine), and dust allergy.
Foods, Dust, and Insect Bites
Foods cause allergies the most. Common foods that trigger an allergy in adults are fish, nuts, shellfish, meats, and dairy products. Some foods that cause severe allergic reactions are shrimps, milk, cheese, and poultry.
Dust and other fine particles also cause allergies. Rashes, breathing problems, and itchiness are the most common symptoms. Sometimes, they can even trigger severe health conditions such as dermatitis and asthma.
This is rare but some people display severe allergic reactions to insect bites. The sting from wasps, bees, and ants might lead to difficulties in breathing, severe rash, and palpitation. There are even times when the reaction causes the person to lose consciousness otherwise known as anaphylactic shock.
Can Allergy Get Treated?
How do doctors determine what allergies you’re vulnerable to? Singapore allergy test is done in two ways – blood test and skin test. In a blood test, a doctor gets a blood sample from you and takes it to a laboratory for analysis. A blood test is useful if you’re suffering from food allergies.
On the other hand, a doctor does a skin test by putting an allergen on your skin. This is usually dust or pollen. He then observes for rashes, itchiness, and other signs of allergic reactions after doing so.
There’s no absolute cure for allergies to date. Persons suffering from allergies can opt to take medications that help to prevent severe symptoms from emerging. Some medical practitioners even advise patients to undergo immunotherapy. This is a method where the patient is exposed to different kinds of allergens one bit at a time so that the immune system gets used to them. For more information about immunotherapy, go to earandallergyclinic.com to learn more.
Still, prevention is better than cure. Therefore, avoidance is the perfect solution if you’re prone to allergic reactions. Try to cut down your intake of dairy products if you’re suffering from lactose intolerance. Stay away from dusty places if fine particles easily irritate you. Also, opt to clean your living space if your allergic to ants and other insects.
Can Sinusitis Get Treated?
The treatment for sinusitis varies depending on the medical condition that causes it. Before giving you treatment, a doctor usually examines the nose lining, asks which particular part of the face near the nose you’re feeling pain, and whether or not you have allergic reactions.
If the sinusitis is caused by flu, the doctor will advise you to take an anti-viral medication and rest for a few days. On the other hand, sinusitis caused by allergies is usually treated by taking decongestants and antihistamine.
If you have suffered from three sinus infections within a year, and antibiotics are unable to treat, then you may consider going for a sinus surgery.
What Happens if Sinusitis and Allergies Are Not Treated?
When left unaddressed, allergies can significantly affect your quality of life. This is why doctors advise parents to seek medical help as soon as their kids become allergic to something. Allergies may develop into anaphylaxis and might kill you. This is a condition that’s characterized by the swelling of the mouth, heart palpitation, and heavy breathing.
The same also goes for sinusitis. When left alone, the inflammation that it causes might severely damage the nose lining. This, in turn, results in an impaired sense of smell in rare cases. Consider visiting a clinic when the sinusitis doesn’t go away on its own after a few days or weeks.
Conclusion: How To Distinguish Allergy and Sinusitis?
Allergy is often caused by food, fine particles, and other allergens. Usually, it may inflict you with rashes, breathing problems, itchiness, nausea, dizziness, etc. On the other hand, sinusitis is a condition that occurs whenever allergic reactions inflame the nose lining. Also, viral infections might cause it.
Always remember to consult a doctor whenever the symptoms become unbearable. After all, treatment for sinusitis and allergy is not going to cost you a fortune and has immediate effects.
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