Does allergy testing treat chronic sinusitis?

Chronic sinusitis, also called chronic rhinosinusitis, can cause persistent blocked or stuffy nose, facial pressure, reduced smell and nasal discharge. Allergic inflammation may add to swelling inside the nose, but other factors can also matter, including nasal polyps, irritants, structural narrowing or infection. Testing identifies immune sensitivity to selected allergens; it does not show that an allergen is the sole cause of your sinus symptoms.

The result can help a clinician decide whether trigger reduction or allergy-focused treatment belongs in a broader plan. Nasal treatment, saline care, assessment of polyps and other measures may still be needed. A result should be interpreted with your symptom pattern and examination rather than used alone.

Note whether symptoms change around dust, pets, mould, pollen or particular workplaces. Follow the nasal treatment prescribed for you, and use sprays with the technique shown by your clinician. Avoid smoke and strong irritants. Do not begin a restrictive home routine or stop prescribed treatment solely because a test is positive or negative. Discuss persistent reduced smell, repeated flare-ups or one-sided blockage at review.

Seek urgent care for swelling around the eye, vision change, severe headache with fever, confusion, a stiff neck, or rapidly worsening facial illness. Arrange a clinical appointment when congestion, discharge, pressure or reduced smell continues despite the plan provided. Severe pain, high fever or symptoms affecting one side deserve prompt assessment; allergy testing is not a substitute for this review.

Do my symptoms suggest an allergic component? Which allergens should be assessed? Could polyps, infection or nasal structure be contributing? What treatment should continue while testing is arranged? How would a positive result change my plan, and what symptoms should prompt urgent care?