Symptoms of many ENT infections can be very similar to symptoms of allergies, but require very different treatment. In this article, we discuss how to tell the difference between allergies and sinus infections.
Allergies vs Sinus Infections: How to Tell the Difference
Since both allergies and sinus infections cause congestion and a runny nose, distinguishing between them can be difficult. Let us look at the main traits of both issues in more detail.
The Main Symptoms of Allergies
An immune reaction to allergens, such as pollen, dust, pets, and mold, causes allergies. Other symptoms often accompany runny nose and congestion:
- Itchy eyes, nose, or throat
- Sneezing
- Clear and watery nasal discharge
- Mild facial pain or pressure, or none at all
Allergy symptoms typically persist only when you are exposed to the allergens and often have seasonal patterns. Additionally, allergies usually do not cause bad breath or unpleasant taste in the mouth or throat, and only rarely cause fever.
The Main Symptoms of Sinus Infections
Viruses or bacteria are mainly responsible for sinus infections. The main symptoms of viral and bacterial infections in the sinuses include:
- Thick, yellow, or green nasal discharge
- Facial pain or pressure, especially around the cheeks, eyes, forehead, or when you lean your head down
- Fever in some cases, especially with bacterial infections
- Bad breath or unpleasant taste in the mouth or throat in some cases (caused by infected mucus trapped in the sinuses and bacterial growth)
Typically, sinus infections do not cause itchy eyes, a runny nose, or a sore throat, and only rarely cause persistent sneezing. Also, infections do not follow seasonal patterns and usually occur after a cold, with symptoms improving within several days.
Can You Have Allergies and a Sinus Infection at the Same Time
Sometimes, you can have allergies and a sinus infection at the same time. Allergies can cause swelling and blockage in the nasal passages and sinuses, making it easier for a sinus infection to develop if you are exposed to a virus or bacteria.
Signs That You Need to See a Doctor
We recommend seeing a doctor in the following cases:
- The symptoms persist longer than 10 days without improvement
- Severe facial pain or swelling
- High fever and fatigue
- Vision changes
- Recurrent sinus infections
A sinus infection can turn into persistent sinusitis in some cases. Since the sinuses are located next to the eye sockets, in rare cases, an infection can spread and cause swelling around the eyes, pain with eye movement, double vision, or vision loss. Also, a severe and untreated sinus infection can lead to meningitis, an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
Treatment Methods for Allergies and Sinus Infections
As we mentioned before, allergies and sinus infections require different treatments. The most common methods of treating allergies include:
- Avoiding allergens when possible
- Taking antihistamines
- Using nasal steroid sprays
- Undergoing allergy immunotherapy
Sinus infections caused by viruses are usually treated by saline nasal irrigation, adequate fluid intake, rest, and over-the-counter painkillers if fever is present. Bacterial sinus infections can be treated with antibiotics, especially when symptoms last more than 10 days without improvement, worsen over time, or you experience high fever, pressure, and pain in the face.
Make an Appointment at West Texas Health
If you have allergy or sinus infection symptoms, do not hesitate to make an appointment at our health care center. Our specialists will carefully examine your symptoms to provide you with an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. We are looking forward to your visit.
