I've been reading this with great interest. I always had sensitivity to smog and smoke (lived in Southern California until about four years ago). The doctor said I had/have exercise induced asthma. I learned what my triggers were and refused to take medication because I didn't like the way it made me feel.

I moved up to WA state and all of the sudden it felt like I was catching a cold every month! I started getting sinus infections when I had never had one before. Honestly, I'd only feel good a very short period of time after antibiotics because those don't make me feel good either but then I'd immediately get "sick" again.

My last doctor, when I asked about the "perpetual cold" state, started asking me questions and then asked if I ever thought I had allergies. I hadn't. He recommended Alavert which makes me feel SO much better!

So from what I'm reading, allergies can cause sinus infections? How do you not get sinus infections, take allergy medication every day? For those who live in very cold climates, does wearing something over your face help? (I'm assuming people are like me and have difficulty breathing when it's cold.) I don't mind the Alavert so much but still would rather not take inhalers or anything like that. I don't really have any allergy advice because I've only really known I had allergies for a month or so. Except for the sensitivity to smoke/smog but I figured that was just sensitivity and should be avoided anyway.