Allergies and sinus infections share a lot of symptoms, such as congestion, headaches, coughing and more. Knowing the difference between the two can help inform your treatment approach.
Let’s examine allergies and sinus infections a little more closely and discuss how you can approach treating each condition.
A Closer Look at Allergies
Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to an allergen, such as pollen, pet dander or dust, by creating antibodies. When exposed to an allergen, your immune system makes antibodies to fight off what it believes to be a harmful foreign substance, even if it is benign. The severity and type of allergy symptoms vary from person to person and may include but are not limited to:
- Sneezing
- Itchy nose or eyes
- Congestion or running nose
- Red, swollen eyes
- Hives
- Anaphylaxis
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
You can identify certain allergies by paying attention to your reaction to different allergens. For instance, if you have a reaction when walking in Finlay Park, you may be experiencing a pollen allergy. A more accurate way to assess allergies is to get a skin prick or scratch test from an allergy specialist.
A Closer Look at Sinus Infections
The sinuses are broken up into large frontal sinuses, located above your eyes and in your forehead, and two sphenoid and ethmoid sinuses between your eyes and behind your nose. Sinus infections occur when fluid builds up in the sinuses from viruses or bacteria. Symptoms of sinus infections may include but are not limited to:
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Facial pain or pressure
- Mucus drainage
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Headache
Sinus infections are diagnosed by a healthcare provider. Your provider will ask questions about your symptoms and check for swelling and blockage in the nose and throat.
Treatment Options
Allergies cannot be cured but can be managed via any combination of prevention, medication and immunotherapy.
Sinus infections do not usually require medical intervention but can be treated by a combination of home remedies and antibiotics. Chronic sinus infections may also be treated with balloon sinuplasty or functional endoscopic sinus surgery.
Contact Palmetto ENT & Allergy today to discuss your allergy and sinus treatment options with an ear, nose and throat specialist.