Sinus & Allergy | Lets Begin with The Basics

Sinus & Allergy Basics

Before we begin, it is important that you understand some basic anatomy and terms. The inside of your nose is complex. Many people become confused with the terms “sinusitis,” “allergy,” and “congestion,” often using the terms interchangeably when they are very different!

Anatomy (see Figure)

The septum is the wall that divides the left and right side of the nose and if crooked is called a deviated septum which may cause nasal obstruction or block your sinuses. The turbinates are the fleshy shelves inside your nose that may become enlarged from a cold or allergy. When swollen, the turbinates are what contributes to the sensation of nasal congestion or “stuffiness.”

The sinuses are air filled cavities in the skull and facial bones. You have four sinus cavities:

Maxillary Sinuses: located in the cheeks
Ethmoid Sinuses: located in the roof of nose
Frontal Sinuses: located in the forehead
Sphenoid Sinuses: located in the back of the nose

Terms

Sinusitis is the inflammation (-itis) of the lining of the sinuses. Acute sinusitis is a short-term condition that responds well to antibiotics and decongestants. Acute sinusitis is often caused by a bacterial or viral infection and typically lasts 1-2 weeks. Chronic or Recurrent sinusitis is a long-term or recurrent condition caused by many potential factors that may require a combination of medical and surgical management. Sinusitis causes symptoms such as:

Facial pain
Headaches
Nasal Congestion
Post Nasal Drip

Allergies or Allergic Rhinitis is a disorder that occurs when your body detects substances in the air called allergens. Your allergies occur when your body’s defense system mistakes harmless allergens (such as pollen, dust, or grass) for harmful antigens (such as bacteria). The symptoms of allergic rhinitis occur when a substance called histamine is released into the blood. The histamine causes the most common symptoms of allergies such as:

1. Frontal Recess
2. Middle Turbinate
3. Inferior Turbinate
4. Septum
5. Frontal Sinuses
6. Ethmoid Sinuses
7. Maxillary Sinuses

Sphenoid Sinuses are located in the back of the nose (not shown in diagram).

Sneezing
Itchy, watery eyes
Runny nose and post nasal drip
Itchy throat
Stuffy nose

Vasomotor Rhinitis is a cause of allergy-like symptoms, nasal congestion, and a runny nose. Everyone’s nose congests and decongests throughout the day. This cycle is stimulated by a number of triggers such as a change in weather, exercise, food, postural changes, stress, hormonal imbalance, smoke, as well as many others. Vasomotor rhinitis occurs when you have a overly sensitive nose. This provokes your nose to over react to these everyday triggers causing congestion, runny nose, or post-nasal drip.