Allergies can cause itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, sinus pain and pressure.
Allergies are the body’s reaction to substances, known as allergens, that are usually harmless. At the first sign of these allergens, the body produces antibodies to counter their effects.
While this kind of reaction of the body is helpful with sickness-causing germs, it’s not so helpful with harmless allergens. When the body encounters an allergen, it produces a chemical called histamine. It is actually this histamine – not the mould or pet hair – that causes allergy symptoms, including nasal passage swelling, a runny nose, coughing, and sneezing. Sometimes, allergies can be severe, causing allergic reactions that require immediate medical attention.
Your sinuses, which are vital air-filled sacs in your skull, are normally germ-free. But if too much mucus blocks the sinus openings, as can happen with allergies, bacteria can thrive and multiply. This in turn could lead to sinusitis.
Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungus. Acute, or short-term, sinusitis usually last less than 4 weeks, while chronic or long-term sinusitis lasts much longer.
Some symptoms of both acute and chronic sinusitis can include:
Home treatment can be very helpful for managing sinus pain and pressure. Try applying a warm, moist washcloth to your face and forehead several times a day. Inhale steam from the shower or a bowl of hot water with a towel over the head. Drink plenty of liquids and use saline nasal spray, and use a humidifier if the environment is dry.
Contact your doctor if: