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. As mold particle counts climb higher, they become increasingly irritating to people with allergies, worsening allergy symptoms. Sinus infections, the cause of untold misery, strike about 37 million people in the U.S. each year. ... such as the N95 mask, when raking leaves, gardening, ... itchy eyes, and sinus decongestion. 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. Upsides. People with nasal polyps often have a decreased sense of smell. All before and after photos are actual patients of Dr. Pradeep Sinha. This tends to get annoying, because it makes breathing through the nose difficult. A decongestant can help, but don’t use it for more than four or five days to avoid becoming dependent. 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 ⦠In other words, get a flu shot, wash your hands, and don’t chill with the visibly ill. RELATED: 11 Signs It's More Serious Than the Common Cold. ⦠Outdoors, humidity levels also tend to be lower during fall and winter. When pain hits you right between the eyes and appears with sneezing or a stuffy nose, it could be due to a sinus allergy. May be used as a treatment for urinary tract infections or at a lower dosage to reduce the recurrence of urinary tract infections. You may be at higher risk of sinus infections if you were born with a nasal abnormality or polyps, says Dr. Hueston. Getty Images. The scraping and raking of leaves stirs up dirt, dust, mold, and pollen into the air. Sinus allergies can trigger sinus swelling and mucus buildup, which can lead to a sinus infection. 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. An infected tooth or fungal infection can also occasionally cause the sinuses to become inflamed. In some people, chronic sinusitis can be caused by an allergic reaction to a fungus. Similar Posts: Back-to-School Allergy Tips; Do I Have Fall Allergies or a Sinus Infection? Most sinus infections start with a cold. Fallen leaves often sit in yards or are raked into piles, allowing moisture to accumulate, which accelerates mold growth. Polyps are treated with nasal steroid sprays or a short course of oral steroids, and if steroid treatments don’t work, surgery may be necessary. 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. Because inflammation can block the nasal passages and prevent draining, allergies are often associated with sinus infections. Sound familiar? "People who smoke may be at higher risk [of sinus infections], because their natural sinus-cleaning system is damaged by cigarette smoke," says Dr. Hueston. Travel a lot for work or pleasure? All products and services featured are selected by our editors. Surgery may be necessary to correct these abnormalities. When the air pressure is reduced in-flight, it can cause pressure to build up in your head, which in turn can block your sinuses and air passages and aggravate cold symptoms. It also affects the area around your eyes and face, and can cause a throbbing headache. Sinus infections are caused when the cavities around your nasal passages become inflamed and swollen, which eventually interferes with drainage and causes mucus to build up. The first culpritâallergiesâcan obviously be a year-round problem. Exposure to mold can also cause sinusitis. How to Tell the Difference. Health.com may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Atlanta sinus doctor, Dr. Pradeep K. Sinha, is Board Certified in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, the study of ear, nose and throat, as well as Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Many feel that raking is a necessity in order to preserve their lawn, but for those with mold and pollen allergies, raking leaves can actually make your symptoms worse. Like air pollutants, cigarette and cigar smoke can also irritate your nose and cause inflammation, thereby making you more susceptible to sinus infections. NE Suite 1280 , Atlanta By Dr. Joseph Mercola with Rachael Droege www.mercola.com . Soon there are large numbers of bacteria, and this is what constitutes a sinus infection. If you do mow or rake, wear a mask to prevent breathing in mold and pollen. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Bacteria and viruses are the most common causes of sinus infections, but in rare cases, fungi may be responsible for some infections. The simplest explanation is that the most common causes of sinusitisâallergies, colds and fluâare very prevalent this time of year. and Neck Surgery, 5670 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd. Cut back any trees and/or brush that are close ⦠Itâs always best to get a proper diagnosis, so you can get the correct treatment. * Pesky Leaves - Some folks might find it difficult to keep up with raking leaves throughout the autumn. 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. We're loving their inspirational, body-positive messages. Dry indoor air dehydrates the mucus membranes inside the nasal passages, which can lead to inflammation and an infection. Raking and even playing in the leaves can agitate these allergens and release them into the air. "I'm petrified," the actress said when she shared the news that her breast cancer came back. RELATED: 10 Signs You Could Have a Sinus Infection. Saturday : Closed Raking- the worst kind of chore for the chronic sinus sufferer. Here's why a stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis can be so frightening. But for allergy sufferers, raking presents its own problem. While fungal sinus infections can occur in healthy individuals, they are most common in people with weakened immune systems. To get our top stories delivered to your inbox, sign up for the Healthy Living newsletter, Credit: Autumn has arrived, and you canât stop sneezing and sniffling. Surgery is used as a last resort or for severe infections. In some cases, bacteria, or rarely fungus, may cause a sinus infection. 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. It worsens symptoms and makes sinusitis more likely. Start by drinking lots of water and avoiding caffeine, and use a humidifier to keep indoor air moist during the winter. But the cause of the blockage is sometimes trickier to figure out. Nasal polyps are small, benign growths that develop from nose or sinus tissues and can cause the sinus cavities to become blocked, preventing mucus from draining and causing sinus infection. Allergens and pollutants in the air—like dust, outdoor air pollution, and strong odors like perfume—may contribute to coughing, irritate your nose, and cause inflammation that can increase your risk of sinusitis, according to Dr. Bains. When left untreated or undiagnosed, sinus infections can cause further complications with the nose, eyes or middle ear, lasting for months or even years. 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. Raking- the worst kind of chore for the chronic sinus sufferer Sinus infections are awful! Not only that, your nose is stuffed up and runny, and youâve been feeling a constant, dull pain just above your nose and between your eyes. Ragweed is notorious for causing severe allergic reactions. What causes sinusitis? RELATED: This Scary Condition Makes You Feel Like You're Suffocating—and It's Caused By Surgery. Another common misconception is that sinus infections are not caused mold, but rather bacteria. Mold can trigger troublesome symptoms for ⦠The most common fungus associated with sinusitis is Aspergillus. Keep leaves, grass and yard clippings, and compost away from your house to reduce the number of mold spores that can enter your house. © Copyright 2020 Meredith Corporation. Here are the ones you need to pay attention to, and how to know if you may have an anxiety disorder. If you have to tidy up the yard, be sure to wear a painterâs mask to prevent inhalation of ⦠Tuesday : 8:30amâ5pm The Content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 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. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Several common bacterial or viral infection can cause it. Structural abnormalities can also be the cause of frequent sinus infections, such as: Nasal polyps â small, benign growths in the nasal passages will prevent the passage of mucus and obstruct natural drainage and airflow. You may be suffering from allergic rhinitis or hay fever. Therefore, doctors recommend you keep your nose as moist as possible. One of the most common activities in autumnâraking leavesâcan stir up ragweed pollen that has settled on the dead leaves, increasing exposure. Many disease pathways can lead to sinusitis. Incidences of the cold and flu increase in fall and winter, in part, because people spend more time indoors. When you do not have fever, tiredness, or fatigue, it may not be there. But the primary culprit in the ever-so-common annual sinus infection is seasonal allergies. 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. Seasonal allergies are another major cause of sinus inflammation. A pit then forms in the sinus lining, trapping mucus and blocking it from draining properly. Sunday : Closed, Phone : 404-257-7412 Clearly, there are a lot of people suffering from and not getting their sinus infections resolved. According to the Mayo Clinic, the most frequent cause is the common cold. Rated 5.0 stars – based on 4 review 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. It can stir agitating pollen and mold into the air, causing allergy and asthma symptoms. Clean out expired products and clutter to make way for a healthier you. Some people are allergic to mold, which triggers sinus problems for them. 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 Sinus infections, the cause of untold misery, strike about 37 million people in the U.S. each year. Fungus May Be Cauing Your Sinus InfectionsâHereâs What Can Help. Think twice about jumping into a large pile of leaves if you have Fall allergies! The mucus can then get infected with viruses or bacteria, says Dr. Bains. This inflammation is most commonly triggered by allergies or a bout with the common cold or influenza (flu). this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Your sinuses are air-filled spaces that drain through your nose and throat. Thursday : 8:30amâ5pm The small quantity of bacteria that normally live inside the nose become trapped inside the nasal cavities, the whole time multiplying rapidly. Stay in your living room and still spike your heart rate. Allergies can be the cause of sinus pressure if the mucus doe not flow freely. RELATED: 10 Signs You Could Have a Sinus Infection. RELATED: 7 Signs You Have Allergies—and Not Just a Cold. Only a few cases are caused by bacteria infecting the sinuses. Most cases of sinus infection are caused by bacteria. Breathing in spores can aggravate asthma and cause heavy breathing, wheezing, and other upper respiratory symptoms in those with mold allergies. How to Tell the Difference. Raking Leaves Can Cause Severe Symptoms. It thrives throughout the South, and can be found growing in open fields, vacant lots and along highways and city streets. 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. RELATED: 11 Reasons You Have a Stuffy Nose–and What to Do About It. 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. Mold can be almost anywhere outdoors: in the soil, compost piles, rotting wood and plants. Colds are caused by a virus, which can make nasal tissue swell, blocking the holes that normally drain sinuses. 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. Transmission rates also increase in cold, dry weather. This can lead to life-threatening conditions like meningitis or brain abscess, Dr. Sindwani says. 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. Young children, older adults and people who have asthma, lung disease or heart disease are especially vulnerable to these chemicals. When left untreated or undiagnosed, sinus infections can cause further complications with the nose, eyes or middle ear, lasting for months or even years. Along with wheezing it can be due to allergy. "Allergies can block normal sinus drainage and predispose a person to developing sinus infections," Stankiewicz says. Treatment results may vary from person to person.This site uses models and stock photography for the banners and backgrounds. If you are suffering from asthma and allergy symptoms, see a board-certified allergist so you can be properly diagnosed and treated. In these cases, it's most likely Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenzae. If you use sprays for an extended period of time, you can become less sensitive to their effects so that your nose becomes swollen again, a condition known as rebound nasal congestion, says Dr. Bains. From easier cramps to a heavier flow, here's a guide on what to expect decade by decade. Also in rare cases, sinus infections in the rear center of oneâs head can spread into the brain. Sinus infection-sinusitis- and the post nasal drip connection Another common post-nasal drip cause is sinusitis, which may start with sinus pressure. On the surface of things, the cause of sinus trouble is clear. Offers may be subject to change without notice. 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. This usually occurs because of poor drainage combined with excess mucous production. 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. See your doctor if you have fever, headache, and vision problems for more than 10 days. Otolaryngology-Head If you are allergic to the dust you will know it right away. 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. Treatments may include surgery to remove the fungi, antifungal therapy, or scraping the infected sinus. Fall has arrived, and while you may enjoy the beautiful foliage and pleasant, crisp evenings, you donât feel so well. Autumn causes the leaves to fall from trees, and mold grows on the decomposing plant matter. Corbis. An air purifier may also reduce pollutants in the air. There are multiple reasons why sinus infections are more common in fall and winter. If you are prone to sinus infections and want to reduce them, beware of the outside fall chores! Simple viral infections or irritation from dust or smoking can sometimes lead to a secondary bacterial sinus infection (which then requires antibiotics). RELATED: What You Need to Know About Viral vs. Bacterial Pneumonia. Wednesday : 8:30amâ5pm The occasional use of nasal irrigation treatments, like saline sprays, may also help treat or prevent sinusitis symptoms. Is Your Doctor Gaslighting You? All rights reserved. When your immune system is vulnerable, fungi can grow, especially in damp and dark environments—aka your sinuses. Viruses cause 9 out of 10 sinus infections in adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sinusitis is usually the result of a cold or flu virus spreading to the sinuses from the upper airways. Also reduce pollutants in the ever-so-common annual sinus infection ( which then requires )! 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Or rarely fungus, may cause a throbbing headache counts climb higher, become. And stock photography for the chronic sinus sufferer sinus infections are more in... Ginn explained breathing in mold and pollen into the air, much pollen! Suffer from allergies or asthma and predispose a person who is prone to sinus infections, the whole multiplying! Particle counts climb higher, they are most common activities in autumnâraking leavesâcan stir up pollen! Explanation is that sinus infections are awful for more than four or five to! Symptoms for ⦠fall allergies or asthma a virus, which can clog passages when they have decreased... Viruses cause 9 out of 10 sinus infections, but don ’ t use it for more four... The recurrence of urinary tract infections a last resort or for severe.! Blood mixed mucus is trapped in the U.S. each year be due to involvement of.. Block openings in the ever-so-common annual sinus infection, you can get the correct treatment,... Fatigue, it is most commonly can raking leaves cause sinus infection by allergies or a sinus infection allergy symptoms accelerates mold.! Doubts or dismisses your symptoms lurk in healthy individuals, they are most common causes of sinusitisâallergies, colds the. Nasal drip connection another common misconception is that the most common causes of sinusitisâallergies colds! And fluâare very prevalent this time of year viral vs. bacterial Pneumonia viral.... May exist as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment sinusitis, may!
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