Sinus Infections vs. Allergies: How to Tell the Difference and Get the Right Treatment

Several respiratory conditions and illnesses are rampant: about 30 million Americans suffer from a sinus infection every year and about 50 million Americans deal with some type of allergy.

Though they’re completely different conditions, sinus infections and allergies can cause similar symptoms, making it easy to confuse the two; knowing the difference between the two is crucial for getting the right treatment you need.

What Are Sinus Infections?

A sinus infection (also called sinusitis) is an inflammation of the sinus passages that is typically due to viruses or bacteria. When there is an inflammation in the sinuses, it causes blocked nasal passages. This blockage traps mucus inside the sinus cavities, making the patient more susceptible to infections.

Common sinusitis symptoms include:

• Nasal congestion, which makes it difficult to breathe through the nose
• Postnasal drip, or mucus dripping down the back of the throat
• Thick nasal discharge that’s typically green or yellow
• Facial pain and pressure, especially around the eyes and cheeks
• Pain in the ears and teeth
• Coughing and sore throat
• Loss of sense of taste and smell
• Headache
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Halitosis, or chronic bad breath

There are two types of sinusitis: acute and chronic sinusitis. Acute sinusitis is a short-term infection of the sinuses. Symptoms will typically subside on their own within 10 days. Chronic sinusitis, on the other hand, is a long-term infection of the sinuses. Symptoms usually persist for more than 12 weeks and will often require a more aggressive treatment approach.

A sinus infection is related to allergies in the way that allergies – while they don’t exactly weaken the immune system – increase the risk of developing an infection. Allergies cause sinus inflammation, and this can make someone more susceptible to infections.

What Are Allergies?

Allergies are a person’s overreaction to these external triggers known as allergens. Allergens can include pollen, mold, pet dander, dust mites, food, and medications.

An allergic reaction occurs when the body inhales, digests, or touches an allergen. The immune system reacts by releasing a chemical called histamine. The release of histamine triggers common allergy symptoms including:

• Frequent sneezing
• Nasal congestion, causing breathing difficulties
• Itchy nose
• Itchy and watery eyes
• Runny nose with clear, watery, and thin nasal discharge
• Irritated throat
• Headaches

Allergy symptoms are triggered when the body senses a threat (in the form of allergens) and tries to flush out the allergens. This results in the swelling and inflammation of the sinus passages. The inflammation prevents proper mucus drainage and causes nasal blockages.

Allergies often develop during childhood but adults with no childhood history of allergies can still develop them later in life. Allergies can occur during specific seasons (known as seasonal allergies) or intermittently throughout the year.

Sinus Infections vs. Allergies: Diagnosis

To diagnose sinusitis, your care provider will perform a physical examination. This will include examining your sinus passages, nasal discharge, nasal anatomy, and the severity of your symptoms. To diagnose an allergy, an allergist will perform an allergy test. This can be a skin prick test, blood test, or intradermal skin test.

Sinus Infections vs. Allergies: Treatment

Sinus infections and allergies are different conditions and will therefore require different treatment to alleviate the symptoms and pain that come with them.

As both sinus infections and allergies deal with nasal congestion, nasal decongestants can do wonders in breaking down mucus buildup to clear sinus passages.

For sinusitis, your healthcare provider may recommend several treatment options to relieve symptoms. These can include saline nasal sprays or sinus rinses to flush out mucus, along with at-home steam inhalation to soothe irritated nasal passages. Pain relievers can help alleviate the discomfort associated with sinusitis, and if the infection is bacterial, your doctor may prescribe a course of antibiotics.

In cases where other treatments don’t provide adequate relief, your provider may suggest more advanced procedures like balloon sinuplasty. This minimally invasive procedure helps open up blocked sinus passages, improving drainage and reducing the frequency of sinus infections. It’s an effective solution for chronic sinusitis, especially when other treatments haven’t worked.

Up to 70% of patients with acute sinusitis recover without medical intervention – as long as they get adequate rest. Stubborn chronic sinusitis cases might need a more aggressive approach with medical procedures if other non-surgical options prove to be ineffective.

Allergy sufferers will find relief in medications like antihistamines and corticosteroids, while immunotherapy like allergy drops and shots might be the better course of action.

Sinus Infections vs. Allergies: Prevention

Good hygiene and strengthening your immune system is the best way to prevent sinus infections. Get adequate sleep, maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and increase your vitamin C intake. Those with allergies, on the other hand, should limit their exposure to allergens and keep their homes clean and allergen-free.

Sinus Infections or Allergies? Seek Professional Help

If you notice your symptoms getting worse or your medication stops working, do not hesitate to schedule a consultation with your doctor. At SoCal Breathe Free, we are deeply committed to helping our patients find relief from sinusitis and allergy symptoms so they can breathe easier and enjoy life even just a little more. Schedule a consultation with our team today and start your journey towards the right treatment.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.