Allergens can be a pain for many who struggle with them, and if not managed properly, they can take a toll on your daily routine. That’s why it’s imperative to identify your allergies and proactively look for ways to help relieve them, especially during allergy season. 

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What are Sinuses?

First, it’s good to know what sinuses are and how they play a role in your overall health. The sinuses are air-filled spaces in the upper face, located between the eyes and behind the forehead, nose, and cheeks. Lined with mucus and tiny hair called cilia, they help trap and remove bacteria and pollutants. Each sinus has an opening for mucus drainage, which is vital for proper function. Blockages can lead to mucus buildup and symptoms ranging from mild to severe. 

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Ways to Relieve Seasonal Allergies:

• Identify allergens
  • It’s important to first identify what you are allergic to and how it causes various symptoms you may experience. One of the ways you can get to the root of the issue is by scheduling an allergy test, such as skin or blood tests, to determine outdoor allergens you’re allergic to.

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• Reduce exposure
  • Try to reduce exposure to outdoor allergens as much as possible. This includes keeping your windows and doors closed when pollen is high, avoiding any outdoor activities early in the morning when pollen count is at its peak, wearing protective eyewear when outside, and taking a shower immediately when you get back inside to prevent the allergens from staying on your body.

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• Talk to your doctor
  • It’s always highly recommended that you contact your primary care provider and schedule an appointment with them if your seasonal allergies have taken a turn for the worse. Since they are familiar with your existing medical history, they can perform an exam on you to determine what allergies you have and prescribe you medication to relieve any issues or symptoms you’re suffering from. 

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• Flush out your nose
  • A good way to feel immediate relief from allergies is by doing a nose flush, as it opens up your airways and allows you to breathe better. This can be done in a few ways some of which include nasal irrigation, nasal saline spray, and steam. 

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• Invest in an air filter
  • One of the most beneficial ways to reduce allergens in your home is by purchasing a HEPA air purifier. This air filter can significantly reduce exposure to allergens by minimizing the amount of airborne particles such as pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and more.

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• Take medication
  • For everyday use, you should opt for over the counter allergy medications that are long-lasting and non-sedating so that they won’t put you to sleep during the daytime. A few suggestions include Claritin-D, Zyrtec, and Allegra. These medications will aid in temporary relief of your allergies until you can see your doctor for a more long-term solution.

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• Get a Balloon Sinuplasty procedure
  • At American Sinus Institute, we offer a minimally invasive procedure called a Balloon Sinuplasty, that we recommend to patients suffering from chronic and recurrent sinus infections. This procedure is done by placing a balloon catheter into the inflamed sinus, inflated to open up the sinuses, and sprayed with solution to the infected sinus. Balloon Sinuplasty leaves patients with opened and widened sinus passages that improve the symptoms they suffered with chronic sinusitis.

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If you are suffering from a chronic sinus infection or reoccurring ear infection, visiting the American Sinus Institute in San Antonio could provide you with the relief you’ve been looking for. American Sinus Institute offers a wide variety of treatment options and our board of certified physicians in Otolaryngology are here to help. Contact us today!