Is It Allergies or a Sinus Infection?

Autumn has a longstanding reputation for especially strong seasonal allergies, thanks in part to an explosion in ragweed pollen, molds, and other spores carried by fall winds or through heating ducts that have accumulated dust over the summer. It’s also a time of respiratory infections that often begin in your sinuses.

Sinus infections and allergies tend to share a lot of common symptoms, although their treatments vary widely. Knowing which condition you have is an important step in getting the treatment that can help you feel better and avoid potential complications.

At Michigan Avenue Primary Care in Chicago, we offer patient-centered care for both allergies and sinus infections (or sinusitis), so you can feel confident you’ll receive the most appropriate care. Here, learn what symptoms each condition causes and how to tell the difference between the two.

What to know about allergies

Allergies happen when your immune system overreacts. Typically, your immune system sends out germ-fighting agents when it detects invading pathogens, like viruses or bacteria. In an allergic reaction, your immune system “misidentifies” benign agents, like dust or pollen, recognizing them not as harmless substances, but as dangerous germs that need to be battled.

The result is a mix of symptoms that can include sneezing, coughing, itchy or watery eyes, or even hives. Many people who have allergies experience sinus pressure, headaches, and a runny nose. In most cases, the mucus is clear and thin. 

Postnasal discharge can be common, too, resulting in a sore or scratchy throat. The excessive immune system reaction may leave you feeling tired or “stuffed up.” 

Sinusitis basics

Sinus infections also involve an immune system reaction, but this time, your immune system activates in response to actual germs that can cause serious infections. Many sinus infections develop after a cold, and they can be triggered by allergies, too, making it even harder to tell the difference between the two conditions.

In a sinus infection, the sinus tissues become swollen and irritated. Most infections cause sinus or facial pain, headaches, and thick mucus discharge. Unlike allergy-related mucus that’s clear, mucus produced during a sinus infection is typically yellow or greenish, thanks to the presence of germs and pus.

Sinusitis can cause a cough and a sore throat, and increased swelling inside your sinuses may result in a decreased sense of smell. You might have persistent bad breath or a sour taste in your mouth. More severe infections may cause a fever, or in some instances, the pathogens may migrate to your lungs, causing bronchitis or pneumonia.

The right treatment for better health

One key difference between sinus infections and allergies is that allergies tend to clear up once the trigger goes away, while a sinus infection can stick around for weeks. Still, some allergies can last a long time, too, particularly in the fall.

Bottom line: The best way to know if you’re suffering from allergies or a sinus infection is to come in for an evaluation. Regardless of the underlying cause of your symptoms, both conditions benefit from medical treatment. 

Allergy treatment typically involves antihistamines to stop the abnormal immune response and relieve your symptoms. Prompt care may help avoid sinus infections that can develop following severe allergies.

On the other hand, sinus infections benefit from rest and plenty of fluids, over-the-counter medications, and sometimes antibiotics for bacterial infections. If you’re also exhibiting signs of a respiratory infection, we may order a chest X-ray to rule out pneumonia.

Find relief for your symptoms

Both allergies and sinusitis cause uncomfortable symptoms, and without treatment, those symptoms can get worse. To find out what’s causing your symptoms and how we can help, book primary care online or over the phone with the team at Michigan Avenue Primary Care today.