Fall allergy season prime time for sinus infections

MILWAUKEE - Fall is in the air, and the cooler temperatures and shorter days signal the start of the cold and flu season. But for allergy sufferers, the stuffy nose, nasty cough and pounding headache may indicate something more serious - a sinus infection.

More than 31 million Americans suffer from sinus infections, making it one of the most common and most expensive disorders in the United States, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI).

If not treated properly, the symptoms associated with sinus infections, particularly the sinus headache, can have a major impact on every aspect of a sufferer's life, including sleep, leisure activities and even family relationships.

The AAAAI reports:

• Those suffering from sinus infections miss an average of four days of work a year
• Sinus headaches affect 4 out of 10 adults in the United States
• Sinus infections are responsible for more than 18 million office visits to primary care physicians each year
• Health care expenses attributed to sinus infections are estimated at over $5.8 billion each year

"The cooler, dry weather associated with the fall allergy season will cause an increase in the frequency and severity of sinus infections and sinus headaches, especially in seasonal allergy sufferers," said Brian A. Smart, MD, FAAAAI and vice-chair of the AAAAI's Sinusitis Committee. "Many people who believe they have the common cold may actually have a sinus infection and are self-medicating improperly."

Also known as "sinusitis"
A sinus infection, also known as acute sinusitis, is an inflammation of the nasal sinuses, the hollow cavities within the cheek bones around the eyes and behind the nose. The sinuses help warm, moisten and filter the air in the nasal cavity. The inflammation is usually triggered by inadequate draining of mucus due to colds, allergies, infections or structural problems of the nose.

Symptoms of sinusitis include:

• Profuse, thick yellow-green discharge from the nose
• Plugged up nose
• Headache
• Facial pain/pressure
• Toothache
• Cough
• Ear pressure
• Constant fatigue

Seek proper diagnosis and treatment
Americans spend millions of dollars each year for medications that promise relief from their sinus symptoms. When symptoms begin to interfere with your daily life or when they do not respond to usual antibiotic treatment, it's time to see an allergist/immunologist.

An allergist/immunologist is a physician trained in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases including sinusitis. He/she will take a detailed history and perform a physical examination. They may also order additional tests, including allergy testing, sinus X-ray and a CT scan, which make precise images of the sinus cavities.

"When left untreated or undiagnosed, sinus infections can cause further complications with the nose, eyes or middle ear, lasting for months or even years," said Dr. Smart.

To find an allergist/immunologist in your area or to find additional information on sinusitis, call the AAAAI's Physician Referral and Information Line at 1-800-822-2762 or visit the AAAAI's Web site at www.aaaai.org.

AAAAI Topic of the Month
For more information on sinusitis, check out the Topic of the Month feature on the AAAAI Web site. The topic serves to educate the public by offering:

• Differences in acute and chronic forms of the condition
• Frequently asked questions on sinusitis
• Ways to identify sinusitis symptoms
• Links to additional information

The AAAAI represents allergists, asthma specialists, clinical immunologists, allied health professionals and others with a special interest in the research and treatment of allergic disease. Established in 1943, the AAAAI has more than 6,500 members in the United States, Canada and 60 other countries. The AAAAI serves as an advocate to the public by providing educational information and a physician referral directory through its Web site at www.aaaai.org.

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