Hi

Thanks for the query

The symptoms you have described seem to be of allergic rhinosinusitis.

Q: Please let me know what happens with cough problem and when do they develop?how can i avoid?

A: The cough is due to post nasal drip - the sinus discharge trickles down the throat from behind the nose, causing irritation of the throat, thus inducing cough. This worsens during sleep because of the collection of the secretions in the throat due to the dependent position. This can be avoided by using saline nasal spray, followed by steam inhalation.

Q: Feeling short of breath with cough problem, is it normal?

A: Allergy causes inflammation of the mucosa, thus leading to congestion in the nasal mucosa and spasm of the lower airway, inducing cough and breathing difficulty. Yes, it is normally seen in allergic conditions of the upper and lower respiratory tract.

Q: I feel i have sensitive nose and this irritates me, can i be allergic to Air Conditioner?

A: You are suffering from allergic rhinitis; hence your nose will be sensitive to the dust, cold air, smoke, etc. Yes, you could be allergic to the air conditioner.

Q: Does frequent sneezing results in pressure exerted due to which very occassionaly there is blood coming out?

A: The cause for bleeding from the nose could be due to dryness of the nose, forceful clearing of the nose as in sneezing and nose picking.

My suggestions to you are:
1. Use steroid nasal spray - to reduce the nasal allergy and congestion.
2. Saline nasal spray to keep the nasal mucosa moist and thus help in easy clearing of the secretions.
3. Steam inhalation 3-4times a day
4. Avoid sleeping under the fan and in front of the air conditioner blower
5. Avoid strong perfumes, smoke and dust
6. Change the pillow cover every night before going to the bed
7. Avoid coffee/chilled beverages

Hope I have answered your query; I will be available for the follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

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Hi

Thanks for writing back

Q: Is allergic rhinosinusitis and allergic rhinitis 2 different disorders? or perhaps same

A: Both the conditions are almost similar but not the same. Allergic rhinitis is characterized by sneezing, running nose, itching in the nose, throat and the eyes. Whereas in Allergic rhinosinusitis all the above symptoms exist, except for the running nose. Here, it will be a thick discharge coming from the nose, post nasal drip, cough, and headache, with or without fever.


Q: the suggestions mentioned, should they be taken care forever, Steam inhalation 3-4 times a day?.would this be temporary , say for few days?

A: Steam inhalation has to be done for the time being, as you have got cough and breathing difficulty. You can do it for a week or two and later on, you can do steam inhalation only when you are having similar symptoms.

Q:I work in Closed Centralized Air Conditioner Environment, is this a big issue for me?

A: This could be the prime cause for all your problems. Those individuals who are susceptible for allergy can develop nasal block following exposure to the cold. Moreover, the problem with the centralized A/C is, there will no regular maintenance in many of the establishments, leading to accumulation of fungus. And once the fungus gets dispersed into the room, it causes allergic symptoms in those individuals who are susceptible for allergens.

Q:When you say sinusitis, does this mean some sort of cavity has become infected?If yes, how can i cure this?

A: Sinuses are the empty cavities present below, above and in between both the eyes. These cavities usually contain air and are there to protect the brain. It functions similar to that of the airbags in the car. Whenever there is allergy, cold, anatomical block in the nose the opening of these sinuses get blocked, due to which there will stagnation of the secretions. Stagnated secretions can get infected leading to fever, headache, cough, etc.

Sinusitis can be relieved with steroid and saline nasal sprays, mucolytics (such as ambroxol or bromhexine), steam inhalation, drinking plenty of warm water, avoiding those factors which cause allergy and coffee.

Q:Can you mention few tests related to my problem , so that i can identify precisely where all i am vulnerable? Also, let me know those tests are for what purposes?

A: You need to get CT scan of the nose and the paranasal sinuses to look for any blockage of the sinuses and anatomical deformity inside the nose. Regarding allergy, you are the best judge to identify those factors which are causing allergy and prevent them.

Q: i normally avoid coffee, in that case does tulsi or XXXXXXX tea help my cause here? For pro longed purpose, every morning i drink glass of boiled milk,should i continue this?

A: Definitely, you can take tea, it is not a problem. Even milk is not a problem unless you have any allergy to it. You can continue drinking milk.

Q: how can i remove cough?

A; Just follow all the above measures, your cough will subside soon. Do not use cough syrup as it is not beneficial and can worsen your symptoms.

Q:can these symptoms be cured permanently?

A: Acute episodes can be treated effectively with the above measures. But, in those individuals who are having longstanding allergic problems, it is better to avoid those items which induces allergy, as there is no permanent cure for allergy.

Hope I have answered all your queries.

Wish you good health.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

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