Have you ever had these feelings? You wake up with a headache or develop one throughout the day, your eyes feel heavy, your nose is congested, your ears feel full, you just feel tired overall and not right. Many people will begin to feel these symptoms as we enter into the spring season. With the changes up and down of the weather and the plants and grass all trying to push through to develop, allergens (those substances that can trigger the allergy response in our bodies) are increasing in the air. It's important for you to realize that these symptoms do not necessarily mean an infection. Many people immediately think they have a sinus infection and want antibiotics. They will say I always feel better after I use the antibiotic, unfortunately if they had waited the same amount of time they would have felt better anyway. Most sinus infections are viral, almost 80%. So how do you know the difference. Some common red flags that could require antibiotics are significant nasal discharge that is green in color, fever, swelling and fullness under the eyes or the sides of your nose, or your symptoms do not improve after 3 to 5 days of taking over-the-counter medication. So what can you do early on that can make you feel better?
There are several ways to approach sinus congestion, usually it is caused due to the allergic response. This is confusing to many people because they will say they are not allergic to anything. Many people have sensitivities that may not be considered a full allergy to something. But exposure to these things causes some of the symptoms discussed above such as headaches and/or nasal congestion. So you can start by taking an over-the-counter preparation. Some people don't like to take medication so there are some natural options also.
For nasal congestion - many health care providers will recommend a decongestant, such as phenylephrine. Many over-the-counter preparations will contain this. Some people will also recommend pseudophed but this now must be obtained by asking your pharmacist (it's kept behind the counter). I usually try to get patients to start with a very natural easy remedy that provides fairly quick relief. It is plain simple saline nasal spray. It is relatively cheap and can be found in any pharmacy. Use what I call the "Nose over Toes" approach when using... Stand up, looking straight ahead the tip of your nose is directly vertical to your toes, take a couple of sprays into each nostril and then gently blow your nose. The saline works on the process of osmosis to help pull mucous out of your blocked sinus cavities and relieve your congestion. Because this product is natural you can use it frequently, I will usually recommend every 3-4 hours if you are very congested. It provides fairly quick relief.
If your symptoms are due to allergies, you will need to take an antihistamine. When you are exposed to an allergen (the allergy causing item) the cells in your body release histamine. This triggers different degrees of allergic reactions. For sinus sufferers, the mucous cells in your sinuses are the most sensitive. Histamine causes vasodilation of the blood vessels in your sinuses causing them to swell and become congested. Therefore, by taking an antihistamine you help to block the reaction. Common over the counter products are Benadryl, Claritin or Zyrtec. Of those three only Claritin is non-drowsy, so the others should be taken at bed time. The problem with taking antihistamines is a side effect that causes dryness. This drying effect can actually increase some of your sinus systems. So you have to be careful..
Many people will turn to over the counter nasal sprays such as Afrin. This can really be a problem If you are unable to clear your congestion by any of the above means you can try one of these products but the problem with these medications is they are addicting. Your body becomes use to them very quickly, after just 3 days they actually begin to do just the opposite of their intended purpose. They cause more congestion and then you start using them more and more. I highly recommend NOT using them.
So this Spring if you start having some sinus symptoms, check your environment. Make sure your not exposed to too much dust, did you get a new pet or live in a space that you may be exposed to mold? Be sure to vacuum frequently and wash your bedding weekly. Try the saline nasal spray 1st and add over-the-counter medication if you need to. If you develop any of the RED FLAG symptoms mentioned previously or your not experiencing relief after 3-5 days, follow up with your health care provider. Sometimes you may just need a prescription strength nasal spray or antihistamine, you still may not need and antibiotic. Have a happy and healthy spring!! Hopefully you will be able to smell the flowers!