SINUS ALLERGIES CAUSES: Can be outside &/OR indoor, seasonal OR continuous, and the severity is related to INDIVIDUAL SENSITIVITY, AMOUNT, and TYPE of pollen/mold/mildew/dust/dander in the air. Once your nose is sensitized and swelling has started, even small amounts of extra irritation can cause problems with congestion. Check your home/work for triggers, may need air filter units, removal of carpets (esp in bedroom), vacuum with HEPA or water filter system, wet mopping, swiffer type of duster/floor sweeper. An excellent resource is www.allergy.com. WHY TO TREAT: If allergies are uncontrolled, will lead to sinus infections (viral then bacterial), scarring, growths, &/or polyps.
HOW TO >Start 1-2 weeks before season OR keep taking meds every day
TREAT: >Use LOWEST amount to keep control
>Each medicine works differently, so may need to use combinations for better control
>Taper or stop medications ONLY IF YOU ARE NOT HAVING ANY SYMPTOMS
>May need ENT &/or allergist referral if not controlled with medications
MEDICATION LADDER
MEDICATION TYPE
Nasal Steroid
*Start FIRST & Taper off LAST
Decreases irritation BEFORE SWELLING BEGINS, so best to use early before symptoms get bad. BEST FIRST MEDICATION IF NEEDING CONTINOUS OR SEVERE SEASONAL SYMPTOMS
Leukotriene Inhibitor
*Start/taper SECOND
Stops chemical reaction at start of swelling (before histamines are released), good for added protection if symptoms not controlled with other meds; Used for asthma and sinus allergies.
Singulair 10 mg PO QHS
Antihistamine
*Start/taper SECOND or THIRD
Stops chemical reaction that causes sneezing and MORE swelling, but won’t take care of major symptoms by itself
OTC = Claritin (loratadine)10mg PO daily
OTHER:
Decongestant
Alternative/Additive
*Use first if other meds not working, or after exposure to allergens to stop problems
Excellent for use alone or in combo with decongestants, OK if high BP; Rinses nose to get allergens diluted/out, naturally shrinks tissues with excess swelling/water pulled from tissues due to salt content. CAN’T OVERDOSE OR CAUSE MORE PROBLEMS
OTC = Ocean Mist, Ayr. 2 sprays to each nostril daily/BID
Decongestant
*Use if other meds not working.
Shrinks swelling, helps you to breath. *TAKE FOR ONLY UP TO 5-7 DAYS
**AVOID AFRIN TYPE SPRAYS
(worse congestion due to nose irritation)
***CAN’T TAKE IF HIGH BP
(unless OK with healthcare provider)
OTC = Sudafed, or other meds with Psuedoephedrine, etc
Archives for May, 2008
