Allergies vs. viruses: What you should know
Constant Runny Nose? It Might Not Be Allergies
Fact checked by Nick Blackmer
Key TakeawaysChronic rhinosinusitis is a persistent inflammatory condition that causes the sinuses to swell for more than three months.
Chronic rhinosinusitis and seasonal allergies share symptoms, including runny nose, phlegm in the throat, and sneezing, making it tricky for a primary care provider to diagnose the condition.
Chronic rhinosinusitis can be treated, but experts recommend seeing an ENT specialist to get to the bottom of symptoms.
As we segue from winter illnesses to spring allergies, runny noses may feel perpetual. If you're finding allergy medications aren't helping with your drippiness, it's time to consider whether you're experiencing a different condition.
Your runny nose could be from chronic rhinosinusitis, a persistent inflammatory condition that causes the sinuses to swell for more than three months.
You could even have allergies and chronic rhinosinusitis at the same time. According to a recent study that included 219 patients, 91.3% were diagnosed with allergic rhinitis—also known as seasonal allergies. Nearly half of the patients (45.2%) who had allergic rhinitis were also diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis.
Since a runny nose is a symptom of both chronic rhinosinusitis and seasonal allergies, it's common for people to assume it's from allergies. While over the counter (OTC) allergy medications can treat allergies, they won't be much help for people who have chronic rhinosinusitis. If left untreated, chronic rhinosinusitis can make breathing uncomfortable, affect your quality of sleep, and decrease productivity.
Here's how to tell if your runny nose might be chronic rhinosinusitis and what you can do about it.
Related: How Do You Know If You Have Allergies?
Signs a Runny Nose Isn't AllergiesThere are some telltale signs that those pesky springtime allergens floating around might not be the reason your nose is running like a tap. For one, if your runny nose lasts longer than you'd expect from allergies and/or OTC allergy medications aren't helping it, those are some indications that allergies might not be the underlying cause.
"As healthcare providers, we're very suspicious that people who have these long-term nasal symptoms could have chronic rhinosinusitis," Jayant Pinto, MD, director of rhinology and allergy at University of Chicago Medicine, told Verywell. "People who take antihistamines, intranasal steroids, or nasal spray and don't get better are people we suspect might have chronic inflammation of the sinuses that needs other treatment."
While it may not be as common, it's worth noting that sometimes, a runny nose can be caused by serious conditions, such as a tumor in the nose or a cerebrospinal fluid leak, Zara M. Patel, MD, professor of otolaryngology and director of endoscopic skull base surgery at Stanford University School of Medicine, told Verywell. Since there can be many causes, Patel recommends visiting an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist for a thorough workup.
Related: How to Get Relief From Allergy Symptoms
How Is Chronic Rhinosinusitis Treated?OTC allergy medications are often enough to provide relief from allergy symptoms, but they don't usually help with chronic rhinosinusitis. The good news is that rhinosinusitis tends to be responsive to treatments as long as the specialist you're working with (usually an otolaryngologist or rhinologist) has looked into all the possible causes and chosen the most effective treatment.
Approaches can be different for each person based on their symptoms and overall health, but common chronic rhinosinusitis treatments are antibiotics or steroids along with nose and sinus cavity sprays.
"Intranasal steroids, which are a standard first step, could control the inflammation in the nose," said Pinto, adding that steroids, which reduce inflammation in the nose, can help people with both allergies and chronic rhinosinusitis. A saline wash using a neti pot can also be useful because it clears out the nasal passage.
You can progress to more intense treatments if needed.
"If these options are not enough to definitely resolve the problem, sinus surgery is the next step," said Patel, adding that surgery can clear out current inflammation and get a patient back to a normal baseline.
However, surgery is only one component of treatment and "does nothing to change the underlying reactivity or disease process which led to the inflammation in the first place, so there has to be a plan in place for how to control that underlying reactivity after surgery to prevent relapse," said Patel.
Related: What Are the Symptoms of Morning Allergies?
How to Tell If You Have Chronic RhinosinusitisPatel said that chronic rhinosinusitis is fairly easy for ENTs to diagnose. However, if you're seeing a non-specialist, like your primary care provider, it may be harder for them to spot it.
"Because primary care providers lack the special equipment and instrumentation ENT doctors have for looking deep inside the nose, the only way for them to correctly diagnose rhinosinusitis would be with a CT scan," said Patel. This can lead to patients being overdiagnosed with sinusitis because the symptoms often overlap with allergies. They may also be underdiagnosed and treated for a longer time than they would have been if they'd been able to see a specialist.
If you're perplexed about the reason for persistent runny nose, it's worth talking to your provider about. If they're not sure, they can refer you to a specialist.
"Because there are so many different etiologies of a runny nose, if the runny nose lasts longer than expected, or is not treated well by typical over-the-counter allergy medication, it's a good idea to see an otolaryngologist (ENT)," said Patel.
What This Means For YouIf you have a runny nose that isn't getting better with over-the-counter allergy medications and lasts longer than three months, experts recommend seeing an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist to find out if a chronic condition, rather than allergies, might be causing your symptoms.
Read Next: The 7 Best At-Home Allergy Tests of 2024
Read the original article on Verywell Health.
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Doctor Explains Unusual Symptom That Hay Fever Can Cause
With the weather getting warmer and the days getting lighter, many of us will be looking forward to spending more time outside. However, recent research shows that 1 in 4 (26%) adults in the UK suffer from hay fever and 49% will experience common symptoms such as sneezing, coughing and a blocked nose.
While these hay fever symptoms are well documented, a lesser-known symptom of hay fever might be impacting you: increased hair loss. Dr Balwi, leading hair surgeon at Elithair, has shared his insights into how hay fever can lead to hair loss and what can be done to ensure better hair health when you suffer from hay fever.
How can hay fever cause hair loss?
Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen. When we inhale pollen, our immune system overreacts, mistaking it for a harmful substance and releasing a histamine, which is what causes the symptoms of hay fever. It triggers inflammation in the nasal passages and sinuses. This inflammation can lead to hair loss. When your immune system is healthy, inflammation protects your body from further damage. However, when your immune system is impacted by hay fever it can respond to scalp inflammation by attacking hair follicles, resulting in hair loss.
This inflammation can also cause stress which is a leading cause of hair loss. As well as pollen triggering an inflammatory response, hay fever sufferers may experience increased hair thinning due to irritation causing itching and rubbing of the scalp. This can further irritate the hair follicles, leading to increased shedding.
What to look out for?
How can you manage hair loss caused by hay fever?
Hair loss caused by hay fever can affect both men and women. Because hay fever cannot be cured, it can feel as though there is nothing that can help with this. However, there are practical and accessible ways to deal with hair loss caused by hay fever:
Seeking Treatment: speak to a doctor about managing hay fever symptoms. This may include antihistamines, nasal sprays, or hay fever injections to alleviate inflammation and reduce the allergic response.
Protecting the Scalp: Avoid excessive scratching of your scalp, as this can aggravate inflammation and contribute to hair shedding. Consider wearing a hat or using a barrier cream to shield the scalp from pollen exposure when outdoors.
Maintaining Hair Health: Practice good hair care habits, such as using gentle shampoos and avoiding tight hairstyles or excessive heat styling. Incorporating healthy foods and vitamins into your diet can also support overall hair health.
Managing Stress: Stress can exacerbate hair loss, so finding healthy ways to manage stress levels – whether through exercise, relaxation techniques, or hobbies – can help mitigate its impact on hair thinning.
While hay fever can make some of us dread spring, understanding its potential effects on hair health enables us to take proactive steps in managing our allergies and preventing hair loss.
Expert Tips For Healthy Sinuses: Simple Practices To Safeguard Your Respiratory Health
You might have experienced trouble sleeping, body aches, or runny nose when you are dealing with sinus pain and congestion. This can hamper your daily activities and impact your overall health. Hence, it becomes important to take measures that can help in keeping your sinuses healthy. We spoke to our expert Dr Jahnvi Jayesh Bhate, Consultant, Department of ENT, Amrita Hospital, Kochi, who listed simple yet effective practices that can safeguard your sinuses from infections and maintain optimal respiratory health.
"One of the most fundamental steps in preventing sinus infections is proper hand hygiene. Viruses, including the common cold and flu, are frequent culprits behind sinus issues", said Dr Bhate.
Therefore, it's crucial to wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing, or touching surfaces in public places. Also, minimising close contact with individuals who are sick and considering the use of masks, particularly during peak flu seasons, can further reduce your risk of viral infections. Make sure to cover your sneeze and cough to prevent spreading infections.
Steer Clear of Environmental Factors"Environmental irritants, such as tobacco smoke, industrial pollutants, and strong chemical fumes can significantly aggravate your sinuses and increase your susceptibility to infections", added Dr Bhate. Hence, avoiding smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke is paramount for sinus health. Similarly, minimising contact with strong fumes and pollutants by improving indoor air quality and ensuring adequate ventilation can help mitigate sinus-related complications.
Also Read: Eucalyptus Oil For Sinus Relief: Here's How It Benefits You And Ways To Use It
Did you know dry air can exacerbate sinus issues by causing irritation and inflammation of the nasal passages? Therefore, investing in a humidifier for your home can help maintain optimal moisture levels, particularly during dry winter months, or in regions with arid climates. However, it's essential to clean your humidifier and air conditioners regularly to prevent the buildup of mould and bacteria, which could worsen sinus symptoms.
Get Your Recommended VaccinesVaccinations play a critical role in protecting against infectious diseases that can lead to sinus infections and respiratory complications. "Staying up to date on immunisations, including annual flu shots, pneumococcal vaccines, and COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters, is essential for safeguarding your sinus health and overall well-being", added Dr Bhate. Consult with your healthcare provider to ensure you are currently on all recommended vaccines based on your age, health status, and risk factors.
Avoid Common Allergens"Allergies are a common trigger for sinus problems, causing inflammation and excessive mucus production in the nasal passages. Therefore, make sure you minimise exposure to allergens, such as dust mites, pollen, mould, and pet dander to help alleviate sinus symptoms and prevent recurrent infections", said Dr Bhate.
Implementing measures, such as using allergen-proof mattresses and pillow covers, regularly vacuuming and dusting your home, and keeping pets out of sleeping areas can also significantly reduce allergen exposure and improve sinus health.
Also Read: Dealing With Sinus Headaches? Here's How You Can Manage It
Nasal irrigation with a saline solution is a natural and effective method for clearing mucus, reducing congestion, and relieving sinus pressure. You can use a saline nasal rinse bottle or a neti pot. Gently flush the nasal passages with saline solution and distilled or previously boiled water.
However, it's crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before initiating any nasal irrigation routine, especially if you have underlying medical conditions or concerns about proper technique.
Drink Fluids for Healthy SinusesAdequate hydration is essential for maintaining thin mucus consistency and promoting proper drainage from the sinuses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that sinus infections develop when fluid accumulates in the sinuses, creating an environment conducive to the growth of germs.
Don't forget to drink plenty of water and other hydrating fluids, such as herbal teas throughout the day. Consuming foods rich in water content, such as fruits and vegetables like cucumbers, watermelon, and celery, can also contribute to sinus hydration and overall health.
Maintain a Clean EnvironmentDr Bhate said, "You should create a clean and allergen-free living space to prevent sinus issues and promote respiratory wellness. Regularly clean and dust your home, paying particular attention to areas prone to mould growth, such as bathrooms and basements."
Make sure you use natural cleaning products free of harsh chemicals and ensure proper ventilation to minimise indoor air pollutants. Additionally, replacing furnace filters regularly and addressing any water leaks or moisture problems promptly can help prevent mould buildup and maintain a healthy indoor environment conducive to sinus health.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your expert if you are dealing with any health issues to get the necessary treatment.]
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