I recently was diagnosed with pink eye (bacterial conjunctivitis, I believe.) I woke up yesterday with it and asked the doctor is it was related to my allergies. It turns out I have a sinus infection which is defined by the same symptoms described here being serious mucous in my nasal passages; feeling pain in my teeth, etc.
I usually have "hay fever" from spring to fall months but so much that I can't recall when my allergies begin or end. I read about how some molds in households and apartments can cause sinus disease. How should I go about investigating what it is that I am truly allergic to? For example, which molds, spores, etc.? I've had "allergies" as long as I can remember and it frustrates me to no end.
Can I consider myself "immune deficient" to molds and spores? How can I tell if I have chronic fatique syndrom?
If you can't answer all of the above, can you please answer this question: Is "pink eye" most frequently caused by sinus infections?
Reply ------------------------
The best way to diagnose an allergic condition and to delineate the offending agents causing the allergy is via allergy testing, either skin testing or by a blood test known as RAST. Certainly a chronic allergy can be an underlying condition associated with recurrent or chronic sinus or other upper respiratory infections as well as chronic fatigue. Allergic conditions are not a manifestation of an "immune deficient" problem, but rather might be considered an overactive immune system problem.
There are several forms of conjunctivitis including allergic and infectious. Most likely, the majority of infectious types occur in an isolated form affecting they eye only, and tend to be highly contagious. Occasionally, bacterial conjunctivitis may accompany other upper respiratory conditions such as sinusitis and/or ear infections.
--
Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
Click here to review
previous Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic consultations