WHEN you live with an allergy, you become very familiar with the symptoms.
Nasal congestion, coughing, itchiness and watery eyes are things you handle on a daily basis unless you learn how to avoid your "triggers" or allergens.
But often, you don't even realise you have been exposed until symptoms begin.
Allergies and sinus disorders are two common health conditions that affect millions of people globally and they impact quality of life considerably.
Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to substances that are typically harmless to most people but cause an immune response in those who are sensitive, explains Pantai Hospital Klang consultant ENT surgeon Dr Loo Lit Yee.
These substances, known as allergens, can include pollen, dust mites, pet dander, certain foods, and insect stings.
In allergic individuals, exposure to an allergen triggers the immune system to produce Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, which in turn cause the release of histamine and other chemicals.
This leads to symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath and skin reactions such as itching, hives, and eczema. Nasal symptoms will also appear and include a runny or congested nose and sinus pressure.
"Allergic reactions can range from mild discomfort to severe, life-threatening anaphylaxis, depending on the individual and the allergen," says Dr Loo.
Allergies can also develop at any stage of life he adds and may change over time, influenced by genetic factors and environmental exposures.
Sinus disorders on the other hand, mainly involve inflammation of the sinus cavities (air-filled spaces within the bones of the face and skull).
The most prevalent sinus disorder is sinusitis, which can be either acute or chronic.
Sinusitis occurs when the sinuses become swollen and inflamed due to infections, allergies, or other factors and patients will experience symptoms such as pressure and pain around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead and nasal symptoms including congestion, nasal discharge (often green or yellow), and post-nasal drip.
Headaches, often centred in the forehead or around the eyes will also be present as well as loss of smell (anosmia) or changes in taste.
"Chronic sinusitis can last for weeks or months, significantly impacting quality of life."
Recurrent sinus infections often require medical intervention to manage symptoms effectively.
Dr Loo says both allergies and sinus disorders can cause nasal symptoms like congestion and discharge, but they differ in their underlying causes.
Allergies result from immune system reactions to specific allergens, while sinus disorders often stem from infections or structural issues within the sinuses.
However, allergies can increase the risk of sinusitis by causing inflammation and obstruction in the sinus passages.
GET TESTED
ARE you living with an allergy? Get yourself tested to know for sure and learn ways to manage your condition.
Skin Prick Test
This common test involves applying small amounts of allergens to the skin,
followed by a prick to see if a reaction (redness, swelling) occurs.
Blood Tests (RAST test)
These tests measure the levels of allergen-specific IgE antibodies in the blood, which can indicate sensitivity to specific allergens.
Elimination Diet
For suspected food allergies, a medically supervised elimination diet may
help identify offending foods.
Challenge Tests
When diagnosis is uncertain, challenge tests involve controlled exposure to potential allergens under medical supervision to observe any reactions.