West LA Times

Problems with your sinuses can often be triggered by allergies, according to Dr. Matt Hershcovitch of SoCal Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers.

"Some allergies are a large contributing factor to setting off sinus problems," Hershcovitch told West LA Times. "So allergies, just very generally are your body's sensitivity  to something. Often it could be pollen, it could be dust mites, it could be some sort of pet dander."

More than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI). 

In adults, chronic sinusitis most often is linked to nasal swelling, which can cause facial pain and is caused by allergens, Harvard University says. 

In the U.S., as many as 30% of people with allergies have reactions to cats and dogs. Suffering a reactoin to a cat is about twice as common as dogs, according to ACAAI. Researchers at the National Institute of Health and Science found that  more than half of households have a dog, a cat or both.  

A pet allergy can contribute to persistent allergy symptoms. Symptoms are very similar to those of seasonal allergies. Sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, and facial pain due to nasal congestion are very common.

The idea of "hypoallergenic pets" is a myth, according to Mayo Clinic. There is no true allergy-safe pet; even hairless cats and dogs can cause reactions. It would be more accurate to say that some people are more allergic to certain breeds of dog and less allergic to others.

A study in the American Journal of Rhinology and Allergy from 2011 found that the level of dog allergen in homes with hypoallergenic dogs was no different than that of homes with other types of dogs.

If you're interested in evaluating your sinus or allergy symptoms, this take Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.