Recurrent Infections

What is a recurrent infection?

You may have an underlying immune system issue if you experience multiple infections within a year — such as sinus and ear infections, bronchitis, or pneumonia, or battle the same infection repeatedly. Recurrent infections mean you’re sick more frequently than others, take longer to recover, or require multiple rounds of antibiotics.

What are the symptoms of a recurrent infection?

If you regularly experience the following symptoms, it may be time to see an allergy specialist:

• Chronic skin infections, rashes, or eczema
• Frequent sinus infections with facial pain and postnasal drip
• Chronic cough and wheezing
• Fluid buildup in your ears
• Recurrent bronchitis or pneumonia with excessive coughing and congestion
• Extreme fatigue
• Facial pain, pressure, and inflammation
• Loss of smell

Another telltale sign you need to seek medical advice is constantly dealing with allergic reactions, like hives and swelling.

How are allergies and recurrent infections connected?

When you have allergies, your nasal passages and airways stay inflamed, creating the perfect environment for viruses and bacteria to flourish. Chronic nasal congestion can cause sinus infections, and postnasal drip irritates your throat, making you far more susceptible to respiratory infections. Partnering with an allergy, asthma, and immunology specialist to identify and treat your allergies greatly helps reduce your risk for future infections.

Are there any effective treatment options for recurrent infections?

The knowledgeable team at Allergy Associates of Utah conducts testing to determine the cause of your recurrent infections. Depending on the findings and your diagnosis, your provider puts together a custom treatment plan that may include:

• Immunotherapy (allergy shots)
• Antibiotics and other medications
• Nasal steroid sprays
• Sinus rinses
• Hygiene reminders to wash your hands often, use sanitizer, and keep your fingers out of your nose and mouth
• Preventive vaccinations

Your doctor may also encourage you to consider lifestyle changes you can make — like reducing sugar and processed foods, getting plenty of sleep, and drinking ample water — to help decrease the frequency of infections.

The Allergy Associates of Utah team is ready to help you get relief and find answers. To put an end to your recurrent infections, call now or use the online booking option.