Allergies and sinus infections are often mistaken for one another, but there are clues that can help you differentiate them. — TNS
Dear Mayo Clinic: I have had allergies since childhood, suffering during both the spring and fall seasons. This past month, however, I am experiencing more congestion and mucus, and I even have some facial pain. I'm beginning to wonder if my symptoms are really from allergies or if they may be caused by a sinus infection instead. How can I tell the difference?
Allergies and sinus infections are often mistaken for one another, but they are two separate conditions.
By paying close attention to the specific symptoms you have, you can usually identify which one is more likely to be causing the problem.
When someone has allergies, it means their body is negatively reacting to allergens, such as pollen, dust mites or pet dander.
This reaction happens when the immune system releases certain substances, such as histamine, into the bloodstream.
This leads to allergy symptoms, which may include itching, sneezing, sinus pressure, and nasal congestion and discharge.
Although allergies can produce many of the same symptoms as a sinus infection, the condition is different.A sinus infection, also called sinusitis, affects the cavities around your nasal passages.
The infection causes your sinuses to become inflamed and swollen.
The swelling makes it hard for your sinuses to drain, and mucus builds up.
You become congested and have trouble breathing through your nose.
Sinusitis often causes thick nasal discharge.
In addition, you may experience headaches, as well as pressure around your eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead.
Though more uncommon, cough and a sore throat can accompany sinusitis too.One of the telltale signs to discern if you have allergic rhinitis or a sinus infection is if you have itchy, watery eyes, along with other symptoms.
Itchiness is rarely a symptom of a sinus infection.
And contrary to popular belief, the colour of your mucus does not help tell the difference between allergies or sinus infections.Given that you have noted seasonal allergies, pay attention to the timing of your symptoms.
This may also help decide if they likely are caused by allergies.
Finally, medication response can also help you determine if you need additional medical care.
For allergies, over-the-counter medications, such as antihistamines, can be quite effective in relieving allergy symptoms, particularly itching and a runny nose.
You may also try adding an over-the-counter nasal corticosteroid daily to help with allergy symptoms.
These nasal sprays help prevent and treat nasal inflammation and congestion, especially if you have seasonal allergies and use them just as the allergy symptoms begin.If you suspect your nasal congestion and other symptoms are the results of sinus problems rather than allergies, you may just need to be patient.
In most cases, viruses cause sinusitis.
These viral infections usually go away on their own within a week to 10 days.
Self-care measures, such as extra rest and fluids, saline sinus rinses, and over-the-counter pain relievers and decongestants, can help.
But if symptoms are persistent or severe, antibiotics may be needed to treat the infection.If your symptoms are increasing, do not improve with current therapy, or last for more than two weeks, you could benefit from a visit with your primary care clinician or an allergist.
There are other options to help alleviate symptoms and address ongoing allergies or recurrent sinusitis. – By Dr Jacqueline Squire/Mayo Clinic News Network/Tribune News Service
Dr Jacqueline Squire is an allergist and Immunologist at Mayo Clinic in Florida, United States.
