The Real Culprit Behind Allergy Misery

Online, November 16, 2010 (Newswire.com) - While an occasional sinus infection may be a fact of life, frequent infections may signal a more serious underlying problem.

"When a patient has recurrent sinus infections, allergies are almost always the culprit," said Allergist, Dr. Stuart Agren, director of the Family Allergy Clinic in Mesa, Arizona.

The sinuses are lined by mucous membranes that normally produce fluid. This fluid usually drains into the nasal passages and is swallowed throughout the day. However, when allergies are present, the lining of the sinuses swells, trapping the fluid inside. The dark, moist environment of the sinus cavities is an invitation for bacteria to grow and infections to flourish.

If allergies are not addressed, patients can be mired in endless sinus problems. Symptoms of sinus infections include headaches (including pain behind the eyes and cheekbones), sinuses that are tender to the touch, colored nasal discharge (green, yellow, milky or grey), fever, cough and fatigue.

Allergy sufferers, including kids allergies, can treat the symptoms of allergy with over-the-counter or prescription medications, but those don't address the source of the problem. A more permanent solution can be achieved through desensitization therapy under the supervision of a physician. With desensitization therapy, patients are exposed to gradually increasing extracts of the very things that cause their allergies--dusts, molds, pollens and pet dander. The extracts are mixed into a saline solution and administered through injections or through under-the-tongue droplets. Over time, desensitization can re-train the immune system to tolerate these "enemy allergens" and stop overreacting to them in ways that lead to troubling allergy symptoms.

Dr. Agren favors using under-the-tongue allergy drops to desensitize his patients to allergies because they are less painful and can be administered at home. He said that the majority of his patients get relief from sinus infections shortly after starting treatment and most are able to leave sinus infections behind for good.

"It's exciting to see the transformation," said allergy coctor, Dr. Agren. "These sinus infections that have been such a limiting factor in people's lives just go away."