Sinusitis (inflamed sinuses), which can be caused by a sinus infection, is common in fall and winter. | Renate Koppel/Pixabay
Sinusitis (inflamed sinuses), which can be caused by a sinus infection, is common in fall and winter. | Renate Koppel/Pixabay
Allergy and sinus experts in the Dallas area have pinpointed three reasons why your sinuses suffer after St. Patrick’s Day.
Chronic rhinosinusitis can be caused by a number of factors, but recent studies have identified three causes that worsen symptoms, as well as offering potential treatments.
"We offer allergy treatment, allergy testing for people that do have significant allergic rhinitis you can permanently alter someone's immune system over time with immunotherapy, so allergy shots or drops, and that can provide permanent improvements for patients,” said Dr. Monty V. Trimble of the Dallas Breathe Free Sinus and Allergy Center. “Also, when you intervene in their nose with balloon sinuplasty or maybe you're doing some terminal reduction, you can also offer permanent changes to the way those sinuses drain in the way the patient breathes."
A 2021 study published by BMC Pulmonary Medicine showed an association between acid reflux and nasal problems. Of the more than 2,800 subjects, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was shown to cause a significant increase in chronic rhinosinusitis, especially for people with either allergic or non-allergic rhinitis.
Alcohol consumption, particularly red or white wine, provoked an increase in nasal symptoms among survey participants with regular or permanent nasal problems, a study released on ScienceDirect's website showed. The survey indicated a marked increase in rhinosinusitis and alcohol-induced asthma as a result of drinking.
A third reason why your sinuses get worse after March 17 is seasonal allergies, the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology said in a release on its website. Seasonal allergies actually begin to manifest in February, though they get worse once spring begins, just days after St. Patrick's Day.
Dallas Breathe Free offers a sinus self-awareness quiz, which allows users to gauge the level of impact their sinus symptoms have on their quality of life. You can then share the results with the center and receive a consultation.
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