Sinus Infection vs. Allergies: How to Tell One From the Other
Published June 3, 2022
So you have a stuffy nose and you want to get rid of it. The problem is you don’t really know how to treat it because you’re still not sure whether it’s brought about by sinus infection or allergies.
Because they share similar symptoms, it’s pretty easy to mistake allergies for sinus infection and vice versa. But if you want to get rid of your symptoms for good, it’s essential that you distinguish one from the other.
Sinus Infection vs. Allergies: What’s the Difference?
Both sinus infection and allergies can cause your sinuses and nasal passages to swell up, thus making it hard for you to breathe. But the main difference between them is that sinus infection is caused by viruses and bacteria while allergies are caused by your body’s reaction to allergens like mold, dust, toxic fumes, etc.
Understanding Allergies
As you know, our immune system’s main task is to protect us from disease and illnesses. It does this by blocking harmful foreign substances from entering our bodies.
So when we are exposed to substances that the immune system deems harmful, it can create an allergic reaction. Our body releases a substance called histamine to get rid of these “harmful substances”.
To get their job done, histamine may cause you to tear up, itch, or sneeze – whatever it takes to get the allergens off your body. This produces the allergic reactions we are so familiar with.
When these allergens enter your nasal passages, the histamine prompts your nasal passages to swell up. This closes off your airways thus preventing the allergens from going further into your body.
To flush out the harmful allergens, your body also tends to produce more mucus. This leads to a runny nose and post-nasal drip.
Some of the most common allergy triggers are:
- dust
- molds
- mites
- pollen
- toxic fumes
- certain foods
- cold weather
Depending on what triggers your allergy, your symptoms can be seasonal or year-round.
How Sinus Infection Happens
Sinuses are a network of paired cavities (hollow spaces) at the back of your nose. They produce a thin mucus that helps drain the dirt and bacteria from your nose to your throat. In most cases, this draining process goes without a hitch. You may not even notice that it’s happening.
But when viruses and bacteria enter our sinuses, the tissues lining your sinus walls can get inflamed. It can also cause them to produce too much mucus to flush out these invaders.
Since your sinus walls are inflamed, the mucus will have a hard time draining down your throat. And with so much excess mucus, they tend to build up within your sinuses. This provides an ideal environment for the viruses and bacteria to grow and multiply, making your symptoms a lot worse.
People who have the following conditions are also more at risk of developing sinus infections or sinusitis:
- common colds
- nasal polyps
- deviated septum
- suppressed immune systems
Some cases of sinus infections resolve within a few days to a few weeks. But if the symptoms last for 12 weeks or more, it’s a sign of chronic sinusitis.
How to Tell If You Have Allergies or Sinus Infection
Allergies and sinus infections may share certain symptoms but not all. There are certain symptoms that are true for people with allergies but may not necessarily be felt by those suffering from sinus infections.
So if you want to know whether it’s allergy or sinusitis, the best way to do so is by taking an inventory of your symptoms.
Sinus Infection Symptoms
If you have a sinus infection, you’ll most likely exhibit the following symptoms:
- runny nose
- loss of smell
- nasal congestion
- cough
- facial pain or pressure
- fever
- bad breath
- fatigue or a general feeling of tiredness
- dental pain
Allergy Symptoms
If your stuffy nose is an allergic reaction, it’s usually accompanied by these symptoms:
- sneezing
- runny nose
- red, watery, and swollen eyes
- an itchy feeling in the nose, eyes, and throat
Some types of seasonal allergies like hay fever or allergic rhinitis may also cause headache, coughs, and hives.
Do Allergies Cause Sinus Infection?
Yes, in certain cases, an allergic reaction can lead to a sinus infection. When you’re exposed to an allergen, your sinuses and nasal cavities produce lots of excess mucus to flush them out. All this excess mucus tends to build up inside your sinuses. The moist caverns provide the perfect breeding for bacteria and viruses leading to sinus infection.
Antihistamines, a common medication for allergies, are also known to cause sinus infections. They make mucus thicker and harder to drain causing them to build up in your sinuses. And as you know, mucus build-up encourages bacterial growth that can lead to sinusitis.
Treatment
After determining whether you’re suffering from allergies or sinusitis, it’s time to get rid of your symptoms. Here are some of the common treatment options for allergies and sinus infections:
Allergy Treatments and Remedies
Allergy symptoms only last as long as you’re exposed to the substance that triggered your allergic reaction. So the best way to get rid of allergies is to avoid or keep away from any known allergens.
For instance, if you’re allergic to pollen, you should wear a mask when going outside, especially during the pollen season. Or if you’re allergic to dust, make sure to keep your surroundings tidy and use hypoallergenic stuff.
To get rid of your symptoms fast, you can also take over-the-counter medications like cetirizine, chlorpheniramine, and loratadine.
Keeping your immune system in optimal condition is also key to avoiding severe allergic reactions. Eat healthy foods, maintain an active lifestyle, and get plenty of sleep. You can also take probiotics to further boost your immunity. Also known as the “good bacteria”, probiotics are microorganisms that help your body fight off the bad bacteria. Scientific studies also show that it can boost your immune function by regulating your immune responses.
Treatment Options for Sinusitis
The best way to treat a sinus infection will depend on what caused the infection in the first place.
Sinus infections caused by viral or bacterial infections typically go away on their own without needing medical intervention. But those caused by nasal polyps or structural problems like deviated septum may require surgery.
When to See Your Doctor
Most cases of allergies and sinus infections can be remedied at home without the need for a medical professional. But if your symptoms worsen like your breathing becoming labored or a fever that lasts for days, don’t hesitate to call or visit your doctor.
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About The Author
Judy Ponio is a professional writer based in the Philippines. Her commitment to communicating factual content in when writing is unmatched. She works hard to cross check reputable sources to ensure her work uses accurate facts.
