Blog Post

Nasal Allergies or a Sinus Infection? Similarities, Differences, and Treatments

Admin • November 12, 2020
A woman having a sinus infection — Fort Worth, TX — Dr. James Haden

Do you have allergies or a sinus infection? The symptoms of these two common issues often overlap - making it difficult to self-treat the problem. Before you try a home remedy or over the counter option, take a look at the differences between allergies and an infection and the best ways to find relief.

What Are the Similarities?

Nasal allergies and sinus infections often have the same or similar symptoms. While the two conditions have different underlying causes, patients with either issue may experience:

  • Pain or discomfort . Inflammation and irritation inside the sinus cavities from an allergic reaction to a seasonal or another trigger or a viral or bacterial infection can cause pain above or below the eye area.
  • Nasal discharge . Drainage may come out of your nose or flow down the back of your throat with either condition. Even though both issues can cause nasal drainage, infections typically cause green, yellow, or cloudy-looking mucous.
  • Nasal congestion . Some patients experience nasal congestion, or a stuffy nose, with either sinus-related issues or allergies.

Along with these symptoms, nasal allergies and a viral or bacterial sinus infection may also cause a cough - especially if you have uncontrolled post-nasal drip.

What Are the Differences?

The primary difference between a nasal allergy and a sinus infection is the cause. Again, an allergy has a trigger - such as a seasonal change, a plant or plant part (e.g., pollen, ragweed, trees, or grass), pet dander, dust, smoke, chemicals, or another similar environmental factor. In comparison, viral or bacterial particles cause an infection.

While the symptoms may seem similar, they don't all (or always) overlap. The top differences between an allergy and a sinus infection include:

  • Itchy eyes . An allergic reaction may cause red, itchy, or irritated eyes - a sinus infection does not. Some sinusitis patients may also have what seems like allergic eyes. But this type of irritation is a result of a viral or bacterial invasion and not an environmental trigger.
  • Sneezing . Whether ragweed, cat fur, or paint fumes trigger your allergy, it's possible you'll sneeze (along with other nasal symptoms). A sinus infection on its own isn't likely to cause this symptom.
  • Fever . Allergies shouldn't cause your body temperature to rise. If you have nasal symptoms, head pain, and a fever, it's likely you have an infection.
  • Bad breath . Some sinus infection patients may also experience bad breath. Allergies won't cause this symptom. But that doesn't mean someone with an allergy can't have bad breath. Before you assume the breath and sinus issues are or aren't related, consult with a doctor for a diagnosis.

The symptoms aren't the only differences between nasal allergies and sinus infections. Beyond what to look for and the diagnostic processes, each issue has its own treatment.

What Are the Treatments?

Both allergies and infections can cause uncomfortable or irritating symptoms. But this doesn't mean you have to live with facial pain and pressure, nasal discharge, or other related issues. The first step to treatment is a correct diagnosis. Never attempt to diagnosis your own sinus problem. Only a licensed doctor, such as an allergist, can evaluate and diagnose your sinus issues.

The treatment for your sinus condition depends on the cause. A viral sinus infection will typically resolve on its own. But if you have a bacterial infection, you'll need an antibiotic. Patients who have diagnosed nasal allergies have treatment options that may include:

  • Preventative measures . Avoid all potential allergy triggers. The doctor can help you to determine what seasonal, interior, or exterior factors may cause an allergic reaction.
  • Oral antihistamines . These over the counter and prescription medications can reduce symptoms such as itchy eyes, sneezing, and runny nose.
  • Nasal sprays . When used as a preventative method, a prescription spray may stop or reduce nasal allergies.
  • Decongestants . Short-term use of these medications can alleviate nasal congestion and related postnasal drip.

If your symptoms don't respond to preventive strategies or oral medications, the doctor may recommend regular allergy shots. A licensed medical provider in the allergist's office gives these injections.

Do you need nasal allergy relief? Contact the Allergy and Asthma Clinic of Fort Worth for more information.

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COVID-19

By James Haden • March 12, 2020
We hope that you and your family are safe and healthy. Given the following: many of our patients have underlying conditions that could potentially make infection with COVID-19 more severe in light of the fact that the ongoing novel Coronavirus pandemic is officially now local, to ensure the clinic can remain open to best serve the needs for ALL of our allergy and asthma patients, we have implemented the following: If you have a cough or fever, DO NOT come to the office. Call ahead first . We may be able to schedule a Tele-Visit to accommodate you. This is to protect all of our patients in the waiting room who are not ill. We are unable to test for COVID-19. Currently this must be done at our local health department. We have enhanced our already robust office cleaning protocols, cleaning all contact surfaces frequently with powerful antiseptic products. Patients with cough (it is asthma season) are provided mask Before entering the clinic and will be directly taken to an exam room to isolate from the general waiting room population We encourage all of our patients to follow the recommendations of the CDC and WHO to limit exposure: CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html WHO: Coronavirus Remember also that the flu is still circulating and if you haven’t had your flu shot, it’s time to get it now. As of today a fever is still likely to NOT be COVID-19, but that may change rapidly. If you’ve been taking your asthma medication less than regularly, it is now time to religiously take them daily as prescribed. If you have questions about how to use them please contact us. If you need refills please let your pharmacy know, they will contact us. Working together, we can slow the spread of this virus and minimize its impact. It is spring and allergy season is here. COVID-19 doesn’t change that. My office is here to continue to manage all of the usual symptoms you may experience. We don’t want anyone to fall behind on allergy shots if at all possible. Hopefully this pandemic will pass in a few months, but another allergy season is always just around the corner. Let us know if we can help and take care of yourselves and your families! All of our best, Dr Haden and all of the staff at Haden Allergy
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