TulsaAllergyNews

Sinus pressure can be a real problem during the cold, winter months.  Do I take decongestants or antihistamines?  Sudafed or Zyrtec?  Are my allergies acting up?

Here are some pointers on dealing with sinus infections and sinus pressure with some really cool slides at the end:

1. Most allergens are gone in December-January, so the statement “my allergies are bothering me” is actually misplaced.  You are meaning to say that sinus pressure is causing congestion and runny nose.  Inflammation and swelling definitely exist in your sinuses, it’s just that your symptoms during the winter are not caused by allergy, but rather sinus infection.
2. Treatment of a sinus infection is “all or nothing”.  In other words, if you only remove 50% of the infection, it is likely your symptoms will quickly recur.  Your body requires a mucociliary blanket in the sinuses to gradually remove bacteria and excessive snot.  This protective blanket is destroyed during any infection, and won’t grow back until the inflammation subsides.  Often it takes 30 days of antibiotics and prednisone to restore the sinuses back to their original condition. 
3. One of the pictures in your slide set (slide 3 of 15) shows what normal mucociliary blanket looks like under the microscope.  If this giant vacuum sweeper was operating normally all of the time, you wouldn’t have to use all your medication. 

Here are some suggestions on how to treat your sinuses better:

1. Make sure you eliminate nasal congestion.  For the short term, use Afrin or similar equivalent (OTC) if you limit to < 1 week per month.  This allows the nasal airflow to drive away the excessive mucous in your nose which would otherwise become a great meal for hungry bacteria.  Sick but true!
2. Find out if you have allergy!  The winter season gives you a reprieve from outdoor allergens, but during the spring, summer, and fall, tree pollen, Bermuda grass, and ragweed are more than willing to invade your sinuses and cause irreparable damage to your mucous membranes and make you always sick. 
3. Use your prescribed nasal spray EVERYDAY as prescribed by your doctor.  I know, Americans hate to put anything in their nose (except your finger), but regular use of nasal steroids and antihistamines will reduce the swelling in your sinuses and guess what?  You got it, fewer infections. 
4. Get smart!  Go through the slides below, and if you don’t learn anything new, I’ll buy your favorite drink at Starbucks. 

http://www.medicinenet.com/sinusitis_pictures_slideshow/article.htm