Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: Karen W. on 20/04/2009 12:28:36

Title: Can a seasonal allergy cause an infection in your lungs and sinuses?
Post by: Karen W. on 20/04/2009 12:28:36

 Every year in spring and fall I get a really bad runny nose and begin the post nasel drip and the allergies begin..I don't feel sick Other then I have what feels like a head cold... then after a week or two of that it goes into my chest and I get to coughing up all the nasty green phlegm!

Is it possible for allergies to cause those infections by the post nasal drip entering the  bronchial tubes and the lungs...The evening and mornings are worse and make me miserable..

Then once activity begins I start to feel better! Then An occasional hock up of the phlegm during the day and I am ok... until a couple weeks pass and I get extremely sick then....fever, sore ribs an such from coughing my head off.

Is there somethinfg I can take or do to stop it at the allergy stage?

Title: Can a seasonal allergy cause an infection in your lungs and sinuses?
Post by: DrN on 21/04/2009 22:20:25

Yes, you can get an infection with allergic rhinitis. It's essentially a complication, so not inevitable, but having all that mucus hanging around makes it an attractive breeding ground for bacteria.

Have you tried steam inhalations with menthol crystals? You can get it in liquid form as well (sorry, I'm not sure what's available in the US). It's pretty good at clearing the airways, but also helps to prevent infection. if you've not tried it before, you just need a couple of crystals in the bottom of a bowl (or a teaspoon of the liquid) then pour boiling water over it and breathe - carefully at first until you can judge how much to add!

Title: Can a seasonal allergy cause an infection in your lungs and sinuses?
Post by: Karen W. on 22/04/2009 04:51:01

No I have not tried anything Like that..but I will look and see what I can find...I have never seen anything except vicks vapor rub in thick petrolium type base with the menthol etc...i will give a look see..

Thanks Fishy!

Title: Can a seasonal allergy cause an infection in your lungs and sinuses?
Post by: DrN on 25/04/2009 01:24:52

See, I'm not just a pretty fish!  [;D] Hope you can find them, and that they have an effect.

Title: Can a seasonal allergy cause an infection in your lungs and sinuses?
Post by: wolfekeeper on 25/04/2009 02:50:29

Anthistamines of course. And first thing when you get up, drink a big glass of water; and when you go to bed, and drink plenty during the day.

Title: Can a seasonal allergy cause an infection in your lungs and sinuses?
Post by: Don_1 on 25/04/2009 13:10:10

You could try locally produced honey. Some swear its a good remedy for hay fever, though I don't know if any study has ever been made to back-up this claim.

The honey must be local produce, so the bees are visiting flowers abundant in your locality.

Title: Can a seasonal allergy cause an infection in your lungs and sinuses?
Post by: Karen W. on 28/04/2009 11:57:06

Well thats a thought! My neighbor three doors down about one city block away from me on a gravel road.. has a swarm. He is a bee keeper! Maybe I will see if he will sell me some of his Honey.

Thanks Don !!