UTMB Health treats a wide range of allergy and breathing-related conditions for both adults and children. Our specialists provide a thorough evaluation of your condition, from the very common to the very rare, to develop a personalized treatment plan to treat a wide range of conditions, including immune deficiencies, asthma and sinusitis. With convenient locations across the bay area, you can breathe easy that allergy and sinus help is not far from home.
Millions of Americans suffer from allergy and sinus conditions and may not realize the proper treatment needed to alleviate their suffering. Knowing the difference between allergy and sinus symptoms and seeking treatment from your health care professional is the first step to a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Allergy symptoms appear when the immune system reacts to an allergic substance that has entered your body. The immune system produces special antibodies to fight the allergic substance. As the antibodies fight the allergens, it causes a number of reactions including tissue damage, blood vessel dilation, and the production of inflammatory substances, such as histamine. Histamine causes common allergy symptoms such as itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, and headaches.
Sinusitis is an infection of the sinus cavities caused by bacteria. It is usually preceded by a cold, allergy attack or irritation caused by pollutants. The sinuses become inflamed and cannot properly drain leading to congestion and further infection if not properly treated. Sinusitis symptoms include facial pressure or pain and nasal congestion. Sinusitis requires antibiotics to cure the infection and prevent damage to the sinuses.