Is It Allergies or Sinus Infection? An Expert's Guide to Knowing The Difference

It's that time of year again – when the trees start blooming and the pollen count goes through the roof. For many people, this time of year means dealing with itchy eyes, a runny nose, and sneezing fits. But what if your symptoms are a lot more severe than that? Could you be suffering from a sinus infection? In this article, we will discuss the difference between allergies and sinus infections, and how to get a proper diagnosis so you can begin the treatment you need.

 

Allergies

Allergies and sinus infections share a lot of the same symptoms, but they are different conditions. Allergies occur when your body has an overly sensitive immune response to certain environmental triggers such as pollen, mold, dust mites, pet dander and more. Symptoms of allergies can include itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing fits and congestion. These symptoms might come on quickly or they could linger over several days at a time. Allergy tests can help identify what substances you’re allergic to or if you have seasonal allergies that flare up this time of year. The most noticeable symptom that occurs with allergies and does not occur with a sinus infection is itchy, watery eyes.

 

 

Sinus Infections

Sinus infections (also known as sinusitis) are caused by inflammation in the sinuses due to a virus or bacteria. Symptoms of a sinus infection that will not be present with allergies might include facial pain or pressure, greenish or yellow-colored mucus, post nasal drip, and fatigue. If your symptoms last longer than a few days without any improvement, or are causing pain, it’s best to see a doctor for an examination and diagnosis.

 

Allergies & Sinus Infection

It is possible to suffer from both allergies and a sinus infection at the same time. This can make diagnosing which one you are suffering from even more difficult. The best way to figure out if you have allergies or a sinus infection is to see an allergy specialist who can help pinpoint the cause of your symptoms and suggest the most appropriate treatment. If you’re not sure if you have allergies or a sinus infection, don’t hesitate to consult with an expert.

 

Getting  a Diagnosis & Treatment

The bottom line is that diagnosing the cause of your symptoms can be difficult and it is best to seek the help of an allergy specialist for a proper diagnosis. Take steps to prevent illness this season by staying away from known triggers and washing your hands regularly. And remember to keep an eye out for any changes in your symptoms so that you can get appropriate treatment as soon as possible.

 

If you think allergies or a sinus infection might be causing your discomfort, contact a specialist at Spring + Heights today for evaluation and advice on how to manage your condition. If your symptoms are severe, you may want to visit the emergency department at Spring + Heights. With the right care, you can get relief from your symptoms and feel better in no time.

 

Thank you for reading this article! We hope it’s been helpful in giving you a better understanding of allergies, sinus infections and how to tell the difference between each one. If you have any questions or would like more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’d be happy to help.

 

Good luck and stay well!