You may have never experienced issues with allergies or your sinuses before moving to Houston, Texas. If you’re a native Houstonian, you may be purchasing enough over-the-counter remedies that you’re considering buying stock in the company. Houston’s warm and humid climate is great for allergens and terrible for anyone susceptible to developing allergies and sinus problems. So, how do you know when it’s time to make an appointment at a sinus and allergy clinic in Houston? Here’s what you should know to help you breathe a little easier.
Common Types of Pollen in Houston
The Bayou City is home to a wide array of native trees and plants. Depending on where you live in Harris County, you may even be used to seeing a yellow film coating your car. This happens at least twice a year, sometimes more often, and guess what the yellow powder is. Yep, it’s pollen, and just the thought can start your nose twitching and running.
Along with the gorgeous Live Oaks lining most Houston streets and neighborhoods, you can’t forget about ragweed. This and other types of weeds are literally everywhere, especially along the bayous. You’re also dealing with grass pollen; St. Augustine is the preferred grass due to its hardy and drought-resistant properties. St. Agustine grass can also produce copious amounts of pollen, especially if it’s allowed to go to seed.
Don’t forget about mold, dust mites, and animal dander. So basically, any time of the year, you’re at risk of developing allergy and sinus problems.
When is it Time to See a Sinus and Allergy Specialist?
The occasional allergy attack, typically in the spring and/or fall, probably isn’t reason enough to make an appointment with a sinus and allergy specialist. However, if your once or twice-yearly allergy and sinus symptoms aren’t easily controlled with over-the-counter medications, you may want to go ahead and schedule a visit.
Some other indications that it’s time to see an ENT (ears, nose, and throat) specialist often include the following:
- Your allergies frequently turn into chronic sinus issues like an infection or your nasal congestion is affecting your breathing
- Allergies symptoms appear more than once or twice a year. In Houston, the worst times for allergies are typically in the spring and fall. However, if your symptoms are year-round it can indicate a more serious health problem.
- Over-the-counter remedies like antihistamines are not effective at controlling allergy symptoms or have unwanted side effects like extreme drowsiness. This can happen even with medications advertised as non-drowsy allergy relief.
- Your allergy and sinus symptoms are interfering with your ability to carry out your normal daily tasks
- Your symptoms are affecting your quality of life
If your allergy and/or sinus symptoms are mimicking those associated with asthma, it’s time to make an appointment with a specialist. These symptoms can include shortness of breath, even when sitting, wheezing, and coughing after exercise, and a persistent tight feeling in your chest.
If you’ve been diagnosed with asthma and are experiencing severe allergy symptoms, don’t ignore the warning signs. Make an immediate appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss your treatment options.
Common Types of Treatments for Allergy and Sinus Problems
Your treatment options will depend on your diagnosis and the severity of your condition. Sometimes, all you need to treat a sinus infection is a dose of antibiotics. This is also the standard treatment for bacterial sinus infections. You may be on antibiotics for anywhere from 3 to 28 days, depending on the severity of your symptoms.
If you’re placed on antibiotics, follow the instructions carefully. This often includes eliminating alcoholic beverages for the duration. Don’t panic; you can grab a beer once you’re off the antibiotics.
Other treatment options often include the following for sinus and allergy problems:
Decongestant Sprays
No one really enjoys blowing a puff of air-filled medication up their nose, but it’s often an effective treatment option for sinus infections. The decongestant helps to shrink your swollen nasal passages and encourages the fluid to drain from your sinuses.
However, don’t overuse this treatment method. There’s a risk you can cause the problem to reoccur. Stick to your recommended dosage and usage amounts.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are a popular way to treat recurring allergy symptoms. The medication works by blocking the inflammation caused by your allergies. In other words, it stops your nasal cavities from reacting to the allergen. This doesn’t mean if you’re allergic to pet dander it’s safe to sniff your cat, only that you probably aren’t going to start sneezing every time your pet enters the room.
Something to consider is putting down your over-the-counter remedies while taking prescribed antihistamines. The various medications can interact with each other, making your symptoms worse.
Topical Nasal Corticosteroids
If your sinus infection isn’t responding to other treatment methods or is severe, you may be prescribed topical nasal corticosteroids. These sprays work to reduce swelling and inflammation in your nasal passages, helping them open so you can breathe a little easier. Since the spray shrinks the nasal passages, it’s possible you can prevent another sinus infection.
However, like with most prescribed medications, there’s a risk of developing a dependency, but this doesn’t mean you’ll become physically addicted like with prescribed opioid medications. Instead, your body may come to depend on the topical corticosteroids to prevent your nasal passages from expanding too wide. In other words, follow dosage and usage instructions carefully.
Surgery
Sometimes, non-invasive treatments aren’t effective at treating all types of sinus and allergy conditions, but this doesn’t mean you’re stuck suffering with sneezing, a runny nose, and difficulty breathing. Instead, your allergy and sinus specialist may recommend surgery, which can involve repairing a defect in the bone, separating the nasal passages, removing polyps, or opening closed breathing passages.
Talk to a Specialist About Your Sinus and Allergy Problems
For many residents of Houston, dealing with allergies is a regular part of life, largely due to the city’s climate and environmental factors. However, it’s crucial to recognize when allergy symptoms go beyond the typical seasonal nuisances and start to severely impact your daily activities.
Symptoms that persist or significantly interfere with your quality of life necessitate a professional evaluation. Visiting a sinus and allergy specialist can provide you with a comprehensive assessment of your condition.
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