This fifth article before the capstone one deals with an element which is a very common cause of  sinus pressure. It is relatively easy to detect yet many fail to realize it because it's all around us and in our daily routines we do not stop, usually, to analyze what surrounds us. Thus this article could help to create a consciousness to your environment with relation to the sinus pressure challenge. If our previous four steps to a cure do not produce substantial or noticeable improvement to your sinuses then more likely than not the root cause of the problem is an allergic reaction to the environment. What can you do about it? Please, read on and find out.

Allergy to plants

The most common type of allergy to the environment is related to plants. During spring time, especially in the northern latitudes, this is a common malady millions have. I used to be one of them. In the South where there are many different plants growing year round it could be a bit more difficult to ascertain which one(s) have pollen a person could be allergic to. For this reason if you suspect that a particular plant pollen could be causing you problems, get close to it and sniff it and see what happens. If indeed you are allergic to that pollen definitely you will know it within seconds.

Around the house

House dust is another environmental element to consider. If you suspect that it may be causing you problems get down on your knees if you can, take a good sniff, and see what happens. In many cases the main element in house dust is that causes sinus problems are the droppings from the dust mites that live in it. You can't see them neither can they see you, but they thrive in a rather humid and warm environment. Often they live in the mattresses and thrive there because of the warmth and heat produced by the human body. Personally this was, and to a much lesser extent still is, what I am most allergic to. Another element in house dust is dandruff or the dander from pets. Again many people are allergic to these. Or you could be allergic to some specific items like some brands of washing detergents, Clorox or similar washing chemicals, fabric softeners, etc. 

The work place

If you work in a factory or some other place where chemicals are used you could check to see if some of them could be causing you problems. Or a manufacturing process which emits vapor or some other emissions to which you may be allergic .

Smog

This one is perhaps the most notorious environmental hazard and producer of sinus problems to millions. Since smog is ordinarily a combination of elements most of which are inorganic, no serum can be obtained from which to make allergy injections. Obviously, if you must live in that kind of environment the best thing to do is to keep as healthy as possible to give the body a good chance to fight the smog by itself. The previous Four Steps should be a help  in that direction.

With the exception of smog as already mentioned, the best way to find out if you are allergic to a specific substance is to have allergy tests done, if the substance is of  organic origin. There are tests available for almost anything, including foods. This is the way a number of years ago they found out that I was very allergic to house dust. If you have a sinus pressure producing allergy, then the best suggestion is that you address this issue. This will ensure that by going to the possible root of the problem you can find the right cure.

Conclusion

You should be aware of your environment as a possible source of irritants to your sinuses. Some could cause outright sinus pressure or congestion which can lead to pressure later on. Perhaps the best suggestion is to use that old adage: use common sense.