Is it a cold, or something more?
December 5, 2006
MILWAUKEE - The stuffy-nosed, headachy, tired all the time feeling that many people
experience every winter is often thought to be a cold. But is it really a cold, or is it
something more serious? "Millions of Americans think they're suffering from a cold when
they're actually experiencing sinusitis," said Brian A. Smart, MD, FAAAAI, Chair of the
AAAAI's Rhinosinusitis Committee. "People should remember that colds are the most
common cause of acute sinusitis, and people with allergies are more likely to develop
sinusitis." Approximately 31 million Americans develop sinusitis each year, resulting in
more than 18 million physician visits and more than $5.8 billion in overall health
expenditures according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
(AAAAI). Sinusitis is an inflammation of one or more of the nasal sinuses - the hollow
cavities within the cheek bones found around the eyes and behind the nose. Symptoms
of sinusitis include:
• Nasal congestion
• Green or gray nasal discharge
• Postnasal drip
• Pressure in the face
• Headache
• Chronic cough
If sinusitis is caused by a bacterial infection, treatment begins with an antibiotic.
Medications such as decongestants, mucus-thinning medicine or cortisone nasal sprays
are prescribed to reduce blockage and control allergies. Antihistamines, cromolyn and
topical steroid nasal sprays also help control allergic inflammation and keep the sinus
passages open. When to see an allergy/asthma specialist The AAAAI's How the Allergist/
Immunologist Can Help: Consultation and Referral Guidelines Citing the Evidence provide
information to assist patients and health care professionals in determining when a patient
may need consultation or ongoing specialty care by an allergist/immunologist. Patients
should see an allergist/immunologist if they:
• Have chronic or recurrent infectious rhinosinusitis.
• Have other types of chronic rhinosinusitis
• Have allergic fungal rhinosinusitis.
American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology