Are sinus problems huge in Phoenix area? (allergy, living in)

[azriverfan.]

Originally Posted by Howard Roark

Personally the Arizona climate is great for my sinus. I lived in the Mojave desert when I was young and had two sinus infections per year. Had to take medication for them, and I hate taking prescription medicine (I'm more into natural foods, vitamins and minerals). As soon as I moved to Arizona in the mid 90s, I stopped having sinus problems.

However I knew someone from the east coast who had bad sinus problems when he worked in Tucson for a year or two. He blamed it on the dryness.

I guess it depends on what you are used to. In all, Arizona is much better for my health. To add to the bonus, it has less danger of natural disasters than most other places. However if there are blackouts, I guess they would be disastrous!

The dryness should help improve sinus infections. In fact, people will often be prescribed decongestants alongside antibiotics for chronic sinus infections. What do you think a decongestant does....dry out your nasal passages! Dry air doesn't cause sinus infections. Dry air may irritate nasal passages more in some people than others but it doesn't cause sinus infections. That's a myth

[miamiman]

Originally Posted by azriverfan.

Hi Annie As usual, people on this forum pass on conventional wisdom as medical advice. Sinus infections have more to do with genetics, smoking history, and immunocompetency. Some people are born with sinus passages that are shaped in a manner that makes them more prone to sinus infections. Smoking greatly exacerbates sinus infections as it impairs ciliary function. And if you work in a day care or place in which you are constantly exposed to bacterial infections, that can also increase your rate of sinus infections. Allergies can also exacerbate sinus infections. However, Phoenix is one of the best cities in the nation for MOST allergy sufferers due to the lack of mold and variety and population of trees and grass. That doesn't mean this city is ideal for all allergy sufferers. People who suffer from ozone and certain desert trees can suffer considerably. Another myth is the dust allergy. It's not the dust that gets people, it's the dust mite. However, the high heat kills most dust mites so dust allergy in Arizona isn't significantly higher here than in other states. People just intuitively and wrongly assume that because they thing "Hey I'm in a desert so dust allergy must be big here" Part of the problem with sinus infections is people are not adequately treated for them. Most ENT's I've spoken with recommend 6 weeks of antibiotic therapy but most patients are unfortunately treated for 3-4 weeks which isn't enough time. Also patients are not instructed on how to properly use their nasal sprays, you are supposed to tilt your head to the side and squirt the spray on the lateral portion of the nostril (nostril side) twice on each side.

I am pretty sure I am not a smoker. I also work indoors, so this idea that my allergies are environmental is simply not true. No one else in my family has allergies at all, so genetics really aren't playing a role either. The endless dust and all of the foreign trees are what's really at hand here.

[Boompa]

The Auto emissions just hang in the air choking everyone. Millions of cars idling in traffic hour after hour. I moved to Phoenix (Goodyear) because of my Emphysema and moved away for the same reason.

[annie7]

Originally Posted by azriverfan.
Hi Annie As usual, people on this forum pass on conventional wisdom as medical advice. Sinus infections have more to do with genetics, smoking history, and immunocompetency. Some people are born with sinus passages that are shaped in a manner that makes them more prone to sinus infections. Smoking greatly exacerbates sinus infections as it impairs ciliary function. And if you work in a day care or place in which you are constantly exposed to bacterial infections, that can also increase your rate of sinus infections. Allergies can also exacerbate sinus infections. However, Phoenix is one of the best cities in the nation for MOST allergy sufferers due to the lack of mold and variety and population of trees and grass. That doesn't mean this city is ideal for all allergy sufferers. People who suffer from ozone and certain desert trees can suffer considerably. Another myth is the dust allergy. It's not the dust that gets people, it's the dust mite. However, the high heat kills most dust mites so dust allergy in Arizona isn't significantly higher here than in other states. People just intuitively and wrongly assume that because they thing "Hey I'm in a desert so dust allergy must be big here" Part of the problem with sinus infections is people are not adequately treated for them. Most ENT's I've spoken with recommend 6 weeks of antibiotic therapy but most patients are unfortunately treated for 3-4 weeks which isn't enough time. Also patients are not instructed on how to properly use their nasal sprays, you are supposed to tilt your head to the side and squirt the spray on the lateral portion of the nostril (nostril side) twice on each side

azriverfan THANK YOU............Seriously....I suffer from sinus problems because of mold and wetness and maybe the huge and sudden drops in temps. When it is cold, I'm a mess the whole time it's cold...it's HORRIBLE> I choose to believe you...the power of choice btw is powerful. (where are the emoticans when you need them) anyway, thanks again.....you're awesome!

[wit-nit]

I've lived in the Phoenix Metro area over 40 years and have had a serious allergy/sinus condition ever since. I've had 3 surgeries for sinus problems and now am on prescribed medications such as Prednisone and Nasacort. It's been a constant battle.

Now for what it's worth, I've been visiting in MN, WI and Iowa the past 5 months and have yet to have a sinus attack or any allergy problems.

My doctors say there are allergy problems in every state and there can be some that effect you if you make a move permanently. You may find out you're allergic to native plants after you've lived in one place for awhile. Then you'll need to see an ENT and do tests for what you're allergic to for that area.

Everyone is different and different remedies are needed. So best advice is to check with your Dr.

[heat seekers]

I'm from WA and OR and have lived in the Phoenix area for just over 2 yrs. Its terrible for my sinuses, they feel raw and so dry. I need to use a humidifier at night so I don't wake up with dry sinuses or a bloody nose. Never had allergies before but seem to get them off and on here. But I spose it's differrent for everyone. It might be better for you, seems to be worse for me. My son has had problems since we moved here too. Lots of bloody noses and coughs, so I'm not sure if its from the air quality, the dryness or allergies??? On the other hand my husband and daughter do ok, except my husbands allergies are worse here.

[roosevelt]

If you go swimming in public pools it is. Always been a hot weather town problem if they have pools.

Before storm drains were installed all over Phoenix, they thought polio was partly caused by kids 'swimming' in streets after a heavy rain.

[pr0zac]

When I first moved here from Houston, TX (very humid), I guess the pollen & dust got to me. The first week or so I was popping Claratins every day. Around week #2 is when I finally got used to it.

[redjan1225]

I believe it will vary from person to person and support what AZriverfan stated above.

I moved here from Northern California in 04 and immediately saw an improvement in allergy symptoms. No. Cal is somewhat humid and where I lived, we had hundreds of orchards and farm land surrounding us. Lots of crop dusting, pollens, and burn days. I do much better in a drier climate. I do notice I get stuffy-headed occasionally at night which I attribute to something blooming at night (possible the jasmine I so love). I also find that I get sinus headaches during the high humidity times, mostly in July/August. My naturopath attributes this to a sensitivity to shifts in barometric pressure vs. allergies to pollens, molds, etc. Believe what you will, I think she hit the nail on the head.

My sister had a terrible time in AZ over the 6 years she lived here (Goodyear). She saw several allergists and ophthalmologists for her constant eye irriation. Finally, one of them told her she was allergic to Arizona. Shortly after, she relocated to Colorado Springs, CO, and has been fine so far. She is happy to be able to wear contacts again.

[Steel Ovaries]

Everyone is different. I came from the Midwest and rarely ever had sinus problems. I have been here almost 10 years and now suffer from sinus and allergy problems daily that affect my nose and eyes and throat. It is really painful and frustrating because even prescription meds don't totally address the problem.