Allergic rhinosinusitis is a common condition that, “affects the nose and can involve the mouth as well,” says Dr. Reuel Maina, 31, an ENT surgery resident based in Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya. “The problem is more often seen in urban areas where there is a lot of pollution and in children when they start daycare or going to school. Persons with asthma and respiratory tract infection are also commonly affected.”

“Most of the times patients present with nasal obstruction, sneezing, nasal itchiness, runny nose and nose bleeding,” he says. “These symptoms are usually long term but just reduce and are not completely eradicated hence are frustrating to the patient and the doctor.”

Some people who have nasal and sinus allergies can be as a result of inheritance where they acquire the condition from their parents, yet it has triggers which are normally environmental in origin. “They are normally exacerbated by things like dust, cold, pollen, interaction with pets such as dogs and cats, tobacco smoking, foods such as pepper and fast foods and some drugs,” he says.

Whereas this condition is not life threatening, it negatively affects ones productivity. “Usually what happens with the allergies is not complications per se, but the quality of life is adversely affected. School, work place activities and participation in sports usually go down as the patient is not able to fully engage.”

“However if the condition is untreated it can make one prone to getting recurrent infections of the sinuses which can lead to accumulation of mucus within the sinuses hence complete sinus blockade which requires surgery to treat. Infections can also affect the eyes’ and brain cavities if not addressed adequately.

“To manage the condition, allergen avoidance is very necessary although it can be difficult to avoid the allergies when the cause is environmental. Mostly the patient is given long term antihistamines, decongestants and follow up on monthly or two monthly basis,” says Dr. Maina. “Sometimes antibiotics are given if it is suspected that there is a co-existing bacterial infection as suggested by presence of fever and headache.”

“For those who are travelling to unfavorable environments, they can take a dose of antihistamines to prevent development of the allergies.”