Betty
Hi, I've also suffered from sinus infections for many years. I am 55, and have had some allergies for most of my life. I've been told that anyone who had/has a blood relative who suffered from Asthma DOES have allergies. When I turned 50 and began peri-menopause, my allergies got worse, and the sinus infections occurred more often - mostly twice a year - spring and fall. Last summer I was especially bad, and decided to go see an Allergy Specialist. I was tested for allergies, and was told I am now allergic to a dozen different things. My worse allergens are tree pollen (oak) and "dust,mold,mites." I've had pets all my life, but am now allergic to cats. The way I understand it, you have to treat the basic allergies; to lessen the frequency of the sinus problems. I tried getting weekly allergy shots for several months, but quit during the winter. They seemed to help, but I wasn't sure. My regular physician had already prescribed CLARITIN and NASONEX for me, and I went back to using them. If used on a regular basis, sinus infections are avoided. But, occasionally the allergens/pollen are just too strong and they get in and attack the body - when you're not looking. Read as many books on "allergies" as you can, including the ones on "home remedies" or "natural remedies." There's a book I picked up called, "Allergies - Diseases in Disguise." It basically says that many people THINK they have some disease - when it is actually an allergy! And food allergies are included. After many years of suffering from a type of migraine headache, I found out I was allergic to YELLOW CHEESE. I switched over to white cheese only, and most of my headaches stopped. I also read someplace that the headache that comes with a sinus infection is sometimes not a sinus headache. It is a migraine headache, and should be treated as such. Also check whether your sinus problems are worse during certain parts of your menstrual cycle. I have been coping with the oak-tree pollen for a month and thought I was going to survive. But, Monday afternoon, within 5 minutes, my head became totally congested. I'm continuing my Claritin and Nasonex, but am using Robitussin for nasal congestion and Excedrin for the headache, and it seems to be getting better.