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When fall rolls around, it can be a replay of last spring when nose congestion was the prime bugbear for many of us.
We know that spring brings new pollens which stops up many a nose, but what is going on during the fall? Spring leftovers, actually; the air is full of dust and pollen trapped on those gently falling leaves.
But, let a cold develop and boom! – you’ve got a nose that seems impossible to breathe through, along with watery, itching eyes. Maybe your sinus seems involved, too.
(Read more about diagnosing real sinusitis.)
Being able to tell which is which – sinus infection or allergy – in the nose is important. Others only assume they have sinusitis when the real woe is swollen turbinates, structures in the upper nose that can swell in reaction to dust, pollen and other irritants and block healthy breathing through the nose.
Watch a video about turbinate reduction surgery.)
Here are a few ways to deal with allergies:
- Keep a diary and list when symptoms strike. Thus, you’ll know if the problem is inside the home. Inside triggers include pet hair, dust bites and bed bugs. Outside triggers are often grass and ragweed.
- Limit breathing in trigger materials. For the outside items, keep windows shut and stay inside when pollen counts are high. Also use household A.C. to lower humidity.
Here’s the lowdown on sinusitis:
- Actual sinusitis congestion yields yellow, gray or green discharge and facial pain above the sinuses. It’s usually worse when you turn your head or bend over. Other typical signs include high fever, fatigue and muscle aches which are almost always present with true sinusitis.
- If you don’t have all the symptoms listed above, you may have swollen turbinates, especially if you snore and have daytime sleepiness.
- An X-ray is required to diagnose true sinusitis.
The problem can often be solved via turbinate reduction surgery.
