Dizziness
and Sinusitis
Sinusitis is inflammation or infection of any of the four groups of sinus
cavities in the skull, which open into the nasal passages. Sinusitis is
not the same as rhinitis, although the two may be associated and their
symptoms may be similar. The terms "sinus trouble" or "sinus congestion"
are sometimes wrongly used to mean congestion of the nasal passage itself.
What
causes the sneezing, itchy eyes and other symptoms?
When a sensitive person inhales an allergen (allergy-causing substance)
like ragweed pollen, the body's immune system reacts abnormally with the
allergen. The allergen binds to allergic antibodies (immunoglobulin E)
that are attached to cells that produce histamine and other chemicals. The
pollen "triggers" these cells in the nasal membranes, causing them to
release histamine and the other chemicals. Histamine dilates the small
blood vessels of the nose and fluids leak out into the surrounding
tissues, causing runny noses, watery eyes, itching, swelling and other
allergy symptoms. Antibodies circulate in the blood stream, but localize
in the tissues of the nose and in the skin. This makes it possible to show
the presence of these antibodies by skin testing, or less commonly, by a
special blood test. A positive skin test mirrors the type of reaction
going on in the nose.
Is there any escape?
A common question from allergic rhinitis sufferers is: Can I move
someplace where my allergies will go away? Allergist-immunologists seldom
recommend moving to another locale as a cure for allergies. A move may be
of questionable value because a person may escape one allergy to ragweed,
for example only to develop sensitivity to grasses or other allergens in
the new location. Since moving can have a disrupting effect on a family
financially and emotionally, relocation should be undertaken only after
consultation with an allergist-immunologist.
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