Symptoms last as long as you are exposed to the allergen. If the allergen is present year- round, symptoms may be chronic. People of any age can develop sinusitis, even children. Although children are prone to catch colds, their symptoms should clear up in five to seven days. If your child s symptoms last longer, it could be sinusitis, especially if the child coughs while lying down following a bout with a cold virus.
Allergies can trigger inflammation of the sinuses and nasal mucous linings.
This inflammation prevents the sinus cavity from cleaning out bacteria, and increases the chances of developing secondary bacterial sinusitis. Sinusitis affects asthma as well. If the sinusitis is caused by a bacterial infection, treatment begins with an antibiotic. Medications such as decongestants or nasal sprays may be prescribed to reduce blockage and control allergies if they are contributing to the problem. For people with more severe allergies, long-term treatments, like immunotherapy, can be effective in reducing allergic symptoms, thereby preventing the development of sinusitis.