Can Allergies Cause Sinus Pressure?

Spring is the best time for admiring the new flowers at Sebright Gardens. But spring is also the worst time for pollen allergy sufferers. While many people experience itchy eyes, sneezing and a rash, others may experience painful sinus pressure.

What Causes Allergies?

In order to understand how allergies cause sinus pressure, it’s important to understand what causes your allergy symptoms in the first place.

Our immune systems work to protect our bodies from diseases, viruses and infections. But for people with allergies, their immune systems mistake harmless substances such as pollen as dangerous intruders and overreact. 

In order to fight off the intruder, your immune system releases antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE), which triggers your cells to release histamine. Histamine increases your mucus production and causes swelling.

How Are the Sinuses Affected by Allergies?

The sinuses are hollow cavities lined with a thin layer of mucus, and their job is to filter and moisten the air you breathe as well as trap dust, germs and other particles. There are four major sinuses that cause pain and pressure when you’re experiencing allergies:

• The frontal sinuses are located in your forehead.
• The ethmoid sinuses are located behind your nose and between your eyes.
• The maxillary sinuses are behind your cheekbones, between the eyes and behind the top of the upper jaw.
• The sphenoid sinuses are deep in your head behind your nose.

Sinus pain and pressure caused by allergies is the result of inflammation trapping excess mucus in these sinus cavities.

How to Manage Sinus Pain & Pressure

If you’re experiencing sinus pain and pressure, there are ways to find relief. Follow our tips below:

• Drink lots of fluids to help thin the mucus collected in the sinuses so it can drain.
• Use a humidifier or take long, warm showers to open up the sinuses.
• Use a saline nasal spray to keep the nasal passages from drying out.
• Rinse the sinuses with a Neti pot to clear away mucus using distilled, sterile water.
• Place a warm compress on the face to relieve discomfort.
• Sleep propped up so you can breathe more easily.

For more information about treating sinus pain and pressure or to schedule an appointment with an expert allergist, call Willamette Ear, Nose, Throat & Facial Plastic Surgery today.

Learn More About Allergies

• Is It Allergies or COVID?
• How Spring Allergies Affect Your Ears
• Is Climate Change Making Your Allergies Worse?