Allergies

Various medical journals have reported that chronic sinusitis is associated with allergies in 40 to 80 percent of adults. Although some doctors feel these figures are too high, if you have chronic sinusitis or frequent bouts of acute sinusitis, it makes sense to get tested for allergies (allergy skin testing). Allergists are medical doctors, sometimes called immunologists, who often employ immunotherapy (allergy shots), which desensitizes you to the offending allergen or allergens. Allergy shots, however, work best in highly allergic people, work only on certain allergens, and require a considerable time commitment.

Even if you're not formally allergic, common allergens can be sinus irritants. You can employ environmental control to see if this eases your symptoms. Cut down on dust (and dust mites) in your living quarters, particularly your bedroom. Dust frequently, encase pillows and mattresses in dust covers, wash blankets in hot water every week or two, keep pets out of the bedroom, and use high-quality furnace filters if you have a hot-air furnace. Good options include high-quality disposable filters such as 3M's Filtrete and washable/reusable filters such as WEB Product's furnace filters. Avoid the cheap fiberglass filters, which aren't very effective, according to Consumer Reports. The higher quality disposable filters are considerably more expensive to use and slightly more effective, while the washable/reusable filters are more economical and better for the environment. You might also consider buying an air cleaner (avoid ozone cleaners and negative ion generators) and either investing in a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate) vacuum cleaner or getting rid of rugs entirely. Clean well and frequently to help prevent cockroaches and mold. Keep humidity levels below 50 percent to discourage mold, mildew, and dust-mite growth -- use a dehumidifier if necessary. When working around dust or fumes, wear an appropriate mask.

Another option, though expensive, is to have an industrial hygiene company test your home or office. Industrial hygiene companies typically evaluate the indoor environmental quality in industrial, commercial, or office settings but will test homes too. Among other things they check the air for bacteria, fungi, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds, and they look for evidence of mold including checking humidity levels and the moisture content of building materials. After their evaluation they recommend remedial procedures, and they can either do the remedial work themselves or suggest contractors.

Doctors don't agree on the role that food allergies play in sinusitis, since they typically affect the skin or the gastrointestinal tract. You can experiment yourself by eliminating one or more of the most common sources of food allergens -- wheat, eggs, nuts, soy, fish, shellfish, dairy, and chocolate. Allergists often recommend an elimination diet -- you eliminate many foods and reintroduce one at a time, noting if symptoms worsen. An easier technique is to avoid one food for a week, then eat lots of it, noting any increase in symptoms.