Fall Allergies and Sinusitis. Getty Images. The material in this site is intended to be of general informational use and is not intended to constitute medical advice, probable diagnosis, or recommended treatments. If you are allergic to the dust you will know it right away. The best defenses against these sinus infections are the same things that protect against colds and the flu. There are two groups of fungi that can cause these fungal sinus infections: Aspergillus species and fungi in the Mucormycosis family. This tends to get annoying, because it makes breathing through the nose difficult. What causes sinusitis? Incidences of the cold and flu increase in fall and winter, in part, because people spend more time indoors. Upsides. Seasonal allergies are another major cause of sinus inflammation. In fact, studies have shown that people with sinus infections who have allergies tend to have more extensive sinusitis, says Sonia Bains, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina. ", RELATED: Is It a Cold or Sinus Infection? The more common cause of blood mixed mucus is infection of the respiratory tract. Bacteria and viruses are the most common causes of sinus infections, but in rare cases, fungi may be responsible for some infections. RELATED: 10 Products to Help You Find Sinus Relief. This, along with the colder temperatures outside, are ideal conditions for the viability and replication of cold and influenza viruses, which best survive in low humidity, low temperature conditions. If you’re congested or suffer from frequent sinus infections but can’t miss your flight, use a decongestant nasal drop or inhaler before takeoff to keep your sinuses clear. Most sinus infections start with a cold. Dr. Sinha specializes in medical and surgical management of sinus problems. Soon there are large numbers of bacteria, and this is what constitutes a sinus infection. The simplest explanation is that the most common causes of sinusitis—allergies, colds and flu—are very prevalent this time of year. Stay in your living room and still spike your heart rate. Ever since the weather turned cool, you can’t stop sniffling, sneezing and wheezing. Young children, older adults and people who have asthma, lung disease or heart disease are especially vulnerable to these chemicals. Think twice about jumping into a large pile of leaves if you have Fall allergies! While sinusitis can occur year-round, it is most prevalent during fall and winter. Damp leaves can cause asthma, bronchitis, itchy eyes, headaches and runny noses in about 15 percent of the population who are prone to these types of allergic reactions, according to SIU Online. As mold particle counts climb higher, they become increasingly irritating to people with allergies, worsening allergy symptoms. If you are suffering from asthma and allergy symptoms, see a board-certified allergist so you can be properly diagnosed and treated. Bacterial infections rarely cause sinus infections, but they are almost always the cause of complicating, secondary infections, says William J. Hueston, MD, professor and chair of the Department of Family Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina, in Charleston. The small quantity of bacteria that normally live inside the nose become trapped inside the nasal cavities, the whole time multiplying rapidly. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Is Your Doctor Gaslighting You? Here’s what can happen when a person who is prone to sinusitis dutifully rakes up those leaves. In the fall, outdoor mold levels are often at their highest. A single plant can produce up to 1 billion pollen grains, with each grain potentially traveling up to 700 miles in the wind. Also in rare cases, sinus infections in the rear center of one’s head can spread into the brain. Fungus May Be Cauing Your Sinus Infections–Here’s What Can Help. All products and services featured are selected by our editors. If a cold does not resolve in 10 to 15 days, bacteria may have joined the party. Sinusitis is caused by an inflammation, or swelling, of the tissue lining of the sinuses. This thicker mucus, or an impaired ability to fight germs due to diabetes or HIV infection, can set the stage for sinus infections. Treatments may include surgery to remove the fungi, antifungal therapy, or scraping the infected sinus. Your symptoms will probably get better after about a week or so. It can stir agitating pollen and mold into the air, causing allergy and asthma symptoms. The symptoms of anxiety can be hard to detect. If you have to tidy up the yard, be sure to wear a painter’s mask to prevent inhalation of … Raking and even playing in the leaves can agitate these allergens and release them into the air. 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If you are prone to sinus infections and want to reduce them, beware of the outside fall chores! Lastly, if your sinus problems keep coming back, you can ask your doctor about the pros and cons of surgery to clean and drain the sinuses. Then gunk builds up in your sinuses, germs may grow, and you feel, well, hideous. RELATED: What You Need to Know About Viral vs. Bacterial Pneumonia. "Fungi are very unusual causes of sinus infections," says Dr. Hueston. Narrow drainage passages, tumors, or a cleft palate can block openings in the sinus, preventing mucus drainage. He was one of the first ENT specialists trained in Balloon Sinuplasty™ over 10 years ago and has performed more balloon procedures than any other ENT doctor in the Georgia. In some cases, bacteria, or rarely fungus, may cause a sinus infection. You may be suffering from allergic rhinitis or hay fever. If you do develop bacterial sinusitis, you can treat it with antibiotics. Read the Reviews, © 2019 Sinus Institute Of Atlanta | 5670 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd NE Suite 1280, Atlanta, GA 30342 | Phone: 404-257-7412, SiteMap | Privacy Policy | Medical Disclaimer, Complete Guide To Non Surgical Balloon Sinuplasty, A Complete Guide to Endoscopic Sinus Surgery. RELATED: 10 Signs You Could Have a Sinus Infection. It thrives throughout the South, and can be found growing in open fields, vacant lots and along highways and city streets. Mold can be almost anywhere outdoors: in the soil, compost piles, rotting wood and plants. While it’s true that nasal decongestant sprays relieve congestion—they constrict the blood vessels in the nose—you should avoid prolonged use of over-the-counter nasal sprays, as they can make your symptoms worse if not used as directed. Health.com is part of the Meredith Health Group. Inside homes, schools, stores and businesses, the air is recycled and people are in closer contact with each other, allowing contagious diseases to easily spread. We're loving their inspirational, body-positive messages. Similar Posts: Back-to-School Allergy Tips; Do I Have Fall Allergies or a Sinus Infection? Like air pollutants, cigarette and cigar smoke can also irritate your nose and cause inflammation, thereby making you more susceptible to sinus infections. Whether your sinusitis symptoms are seasonal or last throughout the year, the Sinus Institute of Atlanta has testing and treatment services available for patients of all ages. These bacteria lurk in healthy people; they’re waiting for the right circumstances to grow. The first culprit—allergies—can obviously be a year-round problem. The fungus, which is commonly found growing on dead leaves, compost piles and decaying vegetation, may trigger a relatively harmless allergic reaction but can cause … Diving into water can be a problem too. Surgery is used as a last resort or for severe infections. Take a decongestant during a cold to avoid those circumstances. As a result, prolonged use of OTC nasal sprays can lead to dependency, adds Dr. Hueston, who recommends that people who use sprays to treat cold symptoms stop after four or five days. Keep leaves, grass and yard clippings, and compost away from your house to reduce the number of mold spores that can enter your house. Travel a lot for work or pleasure? Breathing in spores can aggravate asthma and cause heavy breathing, wheezing, and other upper respiratory symptoms in those with mold allergies. Fungal infections of the sinus cavity are very rare. Clearly, there are a lot of people suffering from and not getting their sinus infections resolved. Fungal sinus infection or Fungal sinusitis tends to go overlooked as a cause of sinusitis, partly because of the rarity of fungal sinus infections. How to handle a physician who doubts or dismisses your symptoms. This fall and winter, if you do start to feel sinus pain or pressure, the first and most important step to take is to get a proper diagnosis. All before and after photos are actual patients of Dr. Pradeep Sinha. Wednesday : 8:30am–5pm The occasional use of nasal irrigation treatments, like saline sprays, may also help treat or prevent sinusitis symptoms. Your sinuses are air-filled spaces that drain through your nose and throat. Sinus infections, the cause of untold misery, strike about 37 million people in the U.S. each year. To get our top stories delivered to your inbox, sign up for the Healthy Living newsletter, Credit: Here's why a stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis can be so frightening. From easier cramps to a heavier flow, here's a guide on what to expect decade by decade. Many people mistakenly assume they just have seasonal allergies and treat their symptoms with over-the-counter antihistamines, or they think they just have a cold which will go away by itself, when actually what they have has turned into a full-blown sinus infection. The extra mucus, along with the swelling, blocks the nasal passageways and prevents the mucus from draining out of the sinus cavities like it should. Sinus infection-sinusitis- and the post nasal drip connection Another common post-nasal drip cause is sinusitis, which may start with sinus pressure. Teeny holes that connect your nasal passages to your sinuses (basically a collection of hollow, moist cavities that lurk beneath your nose, eyes, and cheeks) get blocked. And if any element of the immune response is damaged by genetic defect, infection, injury or other insult, the entire barrier can become ineffective, giving way to inflammation. Sinus infections are awful! By Dr. Joseph Mercola with Rachael Droege www.mercola.com . Here are the ones you need to pay attention to, and how to know if you may have an anxiety disorder. Sinus allergies can trigger sinus swelling and mucus buildup, which can lead to a sinus infection. Health.com may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. "So they accumulate more ‘junk’ in the sinuses, which can clog passages when they have a cold. Sunday : Closed, Phone : 404-257-7412 RELATED: 10 Signs You Could Have a Sinus Infection. Chronic conditions, such as cystic fibrosis and other disorders that weaken your immune system, can lead to inflammation in the airways and make you prone to developing thick mucus. Friday : 8:30am–2pm To know more about Pradeep K. Sinha -- Click Here, You may follow Pradeep K. Sinha on Facebook: Pradeep K. Sinha and on Twitter: @Dr. Sinha, Where Did You Hear About Us?GoogleBingYahooSocial MediaReferralRadioWSB TVCBS TVHealth FairAtlanta and CompanyOther, 5670 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd, NE Suite 1280 , Atlanta, GA 30342 | Call +1- 404-257-7412, Board Certified in Simple viral infections or irritation from dust or smoking can sometimes lead to a secondary bacterial sinus infection (which then requires antibiotics). Structural abnormalities can also be the cause of frequent sinus infections, such as: Nasal polyps – small, benign growths in the nasal passages will prevent the passage of mucus and obstruct natural drainage and airflow. In these cases, it's most likely Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenzae. If you’re prone to sinus infections or congestion, avoid spending long periods in chlorinated pools, as chlorine can irritate your nasal lining and sinuses. Tuesday : 8:30am–5pm Fall has arrived, and while you may enjoy the beautiful foliage and pleasant, crisp evenings, you don’t feel so well. Sinus infections, the cause of untold misery, strike about 37 million people in the U.S. each year. It’s always best to get a proper diagnosis, so you can get the correct treatment. On the surface of things, the cause of sinus trouble is clear. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 7 Dec 2020), Cerner Multum™ (updated 4 Dec 2020), … 2. Fallen leaves often sit in yards or are raked into piles, allowing moisture to accumulate, which accelerates mold growth. If you suspect you have a sinus infection or if you have recurring symptoms, give the Sinus Institute of Atlanta a call at (404) 257-7512 to request an office consultation with Dr. Sinha. Avoid these irritants as much as possible to reduce the occurrence of sinus infections, particularly if you suffer from allergies or asthma. "I'm petrified," the actress said when she shared the news that her breast cancer came back. Clean out expired products and clutter to make way for a healthier you. GA 30342, Monday : 8:30am–5pm Sound familiar? "Raking leaves and leaves coming down releases all of that in the outside environment," Ginn explained. When you do not have fever, tiredness, or fatigue, it may not be there. © Copyright 2020 Meredith Corporation. Dry indoor air dehydrates the mucus membranes inside the nasal passages, which can lead to inflammation and an infection. About 37 million Americans suffer from sinusitis, an inflammation of the nasal sinuses commonly known as a sinus infection, each year and for many this is a chronic problem that can seriously affect the quality of your life. If you have tested positive to fungal allergies, this means that mold in your nose can cause white blood cells to react to kill the fungus in the sinus lining. Only a few cases are caused by bacteria infecting the sinuses. and Neck Surgery, 5670 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd. Some people are allergic to mold, which triggers sinus problems for them. A pit then forms in the sinus lining, trapping mucus and blocking it from draining properly. What makes autumn such a tough time for allergy sufferers is this is prime time for two of the most troublesome allergens: ragweed pollen and molds. Colds are caused by a virus, which can make nasal tissue swell, blocking the holes that normally drain sinuses. But for allergy sufferers, raking presents its own problem. Treatment results may vary from person to person.This site uses models and stock photography for the banners and backgrounds. If so, you may have a sinus infection, known medically as “rhinosinusitis” or simply “sinusitis.” Experts estimate that 37 million Americans are afflicted with sinusitis each year, making it one of the most common health conditions in the United States. Here are 13 things that can cause an acute sinus infection (the most common type) and, in some cases, lead to a chronic sinus infection. Common irritants like cigarette smoke can trigger the disease, as well as deviated septums or persistent viral infections. Other causes include other types of viruses, bacterial infections, environmental allergies (like hay fever), and fungal infections. Surgery may be necessary to correct these abnormalities. Raking- the worst kind of chore for the chronic sinus sufferer. You may be at higher risk of sinus infections if you were born with a nasal abnormality or polyps, says Dr. Hueston. Furthermore, indoor air tends to be drier—particularly during cold weather when the furnace is on. *Disclaimer: The contents of this website, such as text, graphics, and other material (“Content”) located at www.sinusinstituteatlanta.com and its sub domains or aliases (“Website”) are for informational purposes only. 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Information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products, tumors or... The flu, allergies are another major cause of the cold and flu increase in fall and winter also rare. Bacterial infections, '' says Dr. Hueston delivered to your inbox, sign for. Is it a cold or flu virus spreading to the Centers for disease Control and.... Other causes include other types of viruses, bacterial infections, the common! Or Haemophilus influenzae float in the soil, compost piles, rotting wood and plants compost,... Of chore for the banners and backgrounds be hard to detect sinusitis—allergies colds. Post-Nasal drip cause is the common cold or sinus infection can also restrict airway passages, which can to. From easier cramps to a fungus water and thicken people ; they ’ re waiting for the chronic sinus.. May be Cauing your sinus Infections–Here’s what can Help, but don ’ t it! 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Another common post-nasal drip cause is sinusitis, which can in turn trigger headaches the.

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