Q. What roles do allergies play in sinusitis?

A. An allergic reaction can be described as an exaggerated response to an irritant. These irritants called allergens float around in the atmosphere, bombarding our bodies continuously. They include:

• Plant pollen
• Pet dander
• Environmental pollutants

Allergens that are inhaled wreak havoc on the linings of the nose and sinuses resulting in the classic symptoms of sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, wheezing and nasal congestion. This allergic reaction can cause swelling of the mucus membranes leading to a blockage in the nasal passages and sinus cavities which may result in sinusitis.