Allergies and sinus infections—also called sinusitis—can look very similar at first. In fact, severe allergies can trigger sinusitis. However, the way to treat the condition varies depending on which one you have. Now that fall allergies are ramping up, let’s discuss the difference between allergy symptoms and sinusitis symptoms, so you can treat your condition as effectively as possible.
Allergies
Allergy symptoms occur due to your immune system overreacting to a harmless irritant. Common irritants that are active in the fall and are known to cause allergy symptoms include ragweed pollen, mold, mildew and dust.
Sinusitis
A sinus infection develops when the sinuses are inflamed, trapping mucus in the four air-filled pockets behind our face, where it festers and gets infected. It can be caused by a virus, bacterial infection or even allergies; any time your sinuses get inflamed, a sinus infection can develop.
The Similarities
Both allergies and sinus infections affect the sinuses and nasal passages, so many of their overlapping symptoms are felt in the nose. Primarily, they both feature a runny nose and/or heavy congestion. You may also notice headaches, postnasal drip and coughing in both conditions.
The Differences
While the two conditions share many symptoms, they also differ in many ways.
Allergies are often characterized by sneezing, which is less common in sinus infections. Itchiness in the eyes, nose and skin would also indicate allergies. The most reliable way to determine if it’s allergies and not a sinus infection is the timing: if all your symptoms came on very suddenly after contact with a trigger, then it’s allergies.
Sinusitis, on the other hand, differentiates itself with sinus pressure. If it feels like there’s a balloon behind your face expanding and pushing outward, that’s probably a sinus infection. Sinusitis may also cause a fever and body aches if the infection progresses. Also, unlike allergies, sinusitis comes on slowly and lasts from one to three weeks, so timing can help determine which condition you’re suffering from, as well.
How to Treat Allergies or Sinusitis
To treat allergies, you can use over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as antihistamines or decongestants to relieve symptoms. Sinusitis will usually clear up on its own, but you can relieve symptoms at home using OTC pain relievers, getting rest and drinking fluids.
For more certainty on what you’re dealing with, visit an ENT specialist. We at Palmetto ENT & Allergy can perform allergy tests and create allergy treatment plans, or, if it’s sinusitis, we can prescribe medications to help clear up the infection or perform a minor operation to clear the sinuses. Call Palmetto ENT & Allergy today to learn more or to schedule an appointment.