Can Allergies Turn Into a Sinus Infection?

According to physicians with Becker ENT & Allergy, a group of allergists practicing in Philadelphia & New Jersey, you must keep your sinuses moist as you work your way out of a sinus flare-up. No matter the cause of the inflammation, dry, inflamed sinus tissue will be extremely uncomfortable and may even become more inflamed over time.

Inflammation leads to mucus pooling

One of the biggest challenges with a bad allergy flare-up is that your sinus tissue becomes inflamed. Mucus that needs to drain can't, and that pooled mucus becomes an ideal spot for bacteria to grow.

Once your sinuses are hosting an overgrowth of bacteria, you have a sinus infection.

Sinus pain considerations

When your allergies flare up, your eyes may itch. You may also have a sore patch under your nose from the constant dripping and wiping. You might even develop a skin rash as your body reacts to the environmental toxins.

A bad sinus infection can lead to pain. If your sinuses are so clogged that your face hurts, you're probably headed for a sinus infection. You may feel pressure under your cheekbone or a sense of fullness along the roof of your mouth.

An additional challenge of sinus infections is that the mucus can drain into your stomach overnight, leaving you with an upset stomach and sour breath.

Check your mucus

Generally speaking, if your mucus secretions are clear, the likely culprit is allergies. If the mucus is yellow, you're either headed for a sinus infection or suffering from a cold. If the discharge is green or isn't moving at all, you may need an antibiotic or medication to rapidly decrease the inflammation and promote drainage.

It's important to take note of when you experience an upswing in mucus production. If your allergies are bad, your nose will drip. If you've got a cold, your nose will run even more or become stuffy. With sinusitis or a possible sinus infection, your nose feels clogged and the congestion makes your cheeks and top teeth hurt.

Monitor your allergies

If you don't know what you're allergic to, do your best to find out. You may be able to reduce the severity of your allergic reactions by starting your meds a little earlier than you have in years past, or by getting preventive shots to lessen your body's response.

When you discover your triggers, you can make changes to reduce your allergy discomfort. If it's dust mites, you can update your bedding. For those who struggle with allergies to certain trees or plants, it may be time to plan a vacation when they're in bloom. You...

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