To Treat Sinus Issues, We Treat Underlying Risk Factors, Like Immunity Defects and Allergies, as well as Sinus Inflammation, with Improved Results
Does it feel like you are constantly experiencing colds or sinus infections? Are you frustrated with consistent sinus pressure or allergies negatively impacting your daily life? Sinus management treatments can help you better understand your sinus health and how it affects all avenues of your personal health. At Asthma Allergy Centre, our dedicated team proudly offers a variety of diagnostic treatments and management options to promote your optimal health. We proudly serve Oregon with locations in Beaverton, McMinnville, Newberg, and Tigard.
What Is Sinusitis?
Chronic sinus problem affects 10-12% of American adults and some children. It affects quality of life as it causes many symptoms, including:
- Facial pressure
- Sinus headache
- Fatigue
- Nasal congestion
- Thick nasal discharge
- Thick post-nasal drainage
- Plugged ears
- Cough
Chronic sinusitis is often a result of the immune system misinterpreting a harmless substance as a risky intruder. This may trigger an immune response and releasing chemical mediators in the sinuses. This causes you sinus cavities and nasal passages to become inflamed and swollen. The mediators cause fatigue.
What Are the Risk Factors Affecting My Sinus Health?
The major risk factors for recurrent acute sinusitis and chronic sinus inflammation are:
- Immunity Defects – About 10-12% of patients with sinus condition suffered from immunity defects.
- Allergies – Nasal and sinus allergies are important risk factors causing sinus infections and inflammation.
During the evaluation of immunity defects, an immunization with a vaccine, Pneumovax, is usually given as a tool to test the patient’s ability to build antibody against pneumonia germs (Streptococcus pneumoniae). This part of immunity defect is very common in patients with recurrent sinus infections and chronic sinus problem. Other more severe immunity defects require immune globulin replacement therapy.
The majority of patient with recurrent sinus infections or chronic sinus problem also have nasal allergies as the risk factors. Identifying these allergens would allow you to avoid or reduce the exposure. Allergen immunotherapy can also be used to reduce or eliminate this risk factor.
What Is the Role of Sinus Inflammation?
Patients with chronic sinus problem most often have sinus inflammation. The sinus inflammation can be alleviated with sinus management, such as nasal saline wash, nasal medications such as budesonide in the nasal wash fluid, etc. We often also use a macrolide medications (azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin) that has anti-inflammatory effects, given orally and often results in quite remarkable improvement of sinus symptoms.
Schedule Your Consultation!
Concerned about how environmental factors and your general immune health may be impacting your sinus health? Contact us today at Asthma Allergy Centre and schedule your consultation to learn more about sinus management treatments. Our qualified team of medical professionals proudly serves Oregon with locations in Beaverton, McMinnville, Newberg, and Tigard.
