Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses. The primary role of the sinuses is to provide a filtering system for inhaling air. When the sinuses are blocked, mucus and bacteria build up and can cause an infection. Antibiotics are ineffective against bacterial infections; they only treat the symptoms and increase your risk of future antibiotic-resistant diseases. Antihistamines relieve itching and congestion but don’t clear mucus from your sinuses, which is why many people will develop allergies in the future as well. This article compares and contrasts sinus infection vs allergies. Read on to know more about these two conditions.
Sinusitis most commonly occurs in people with nasal allergies or nasal congestion (sinus headaches). If you have either of these problems, it’s worth getting checked out by your GP at least once to rule out any underlying causes.
Sinus infection vs allergies
Both diseases can cause headaches and other symptoms, but an infection causes only one. Sinusitis causes the inflammation of the sinuses, which allows mucus to build up rather than drain out of your nose as allergies do.
Sinusitis is typically treated with antibiotics and antihistamines for the accompanying irritations. If you have sinusitis, you should also use humidifiers and avoid dry air for a few days after it clears up.
How To Know if You Have a Sinus Infection vs Allergies
A sinus infection is when you have an inflammation of the sinuses and mucus that builds up in your nose. Many people will develop allergies after a sinus infection, as the sinuses become irritated from the buildup of mucus.
Sinusitis is usually accompanied by headache, fever, congestion, and pain. It’s worth checking with your GP to see if you have a sinus issue before thinking that you might be allergic to something.
A bacterial infection does not typically cause allergies; an overreaction causes them on the part of your body to certain substances.
The most common allergens are dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and food particles. If you have these issues, it’s worth getting checked out by your GP at least once to rule out any underlying causes.
The following symptoms generally accompany both a sinus infection and an allergic reaction:
- Headache
- Fever
- Congestion
- Nasal drainage (usually bloody or yellow)
What is the difference between a cold, sinus infection, and allergies?
A cold is a viral infection primarily caused by the rhinovirus. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses, typically caused by bacteria. A bacterial infection in the back of the nose or throat usually causes it. Allergies are the result of contact with something that triggers a reaction.
For example, Antihistamines help reduce symptoms but don’t clear mucus from your sinuses and cause dry eyes and nasal congestion.
There are many symptoms of either a cold or sinusitis, such as:
- Sneezing/runny nose
- Itching/itching
- Headaches/pressure behind your eyes
- Coughing up mucus/blood
- Fatigue
Sinus Infection vs Allergies: Differences
Sinusitis is more common in people who have nasal allergies or nasal congestion. Allergies are chronic infections caused by repetitive exposure to substances the body sees as harmful. This can affect your sinuses, eyes, ears, throat, and skin. The most common allergic trigger is pollen. Pollen affects the nose and upper airways and can cause a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes.
How Do Allergies and Sinus Infections Develop?
Allergies and sinus infections develop when your immune system overreacts to the substances you’ve come into contact with. If you have been exposed to something irritating enough, your body will send a signal to other structures in the body telling it to attack. One of these structures is the sinuses.
Allergies usually develop due to an allergic reaction that causes a foreign substance, like pollen or dust, to enter your nasal passages. A foreign substance triggers the release of histamines and other chemicals that cause inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages, which can lead to sinusitis.
When this happens, you must be watchful because people around you can also take on some of the same allergy symptoms.
It’s good for them to stay clear to prevent allergies or irritants, but it can be challenging if they persistently get sick.
What Are the Best Treatments for Allergies?
The best treatment for allergies is to use nasal saline sprays or drops, which can help reduce inflammation and mucus buildup. If you’re allergic to pollen, using a pollen filter (such as a mask) will reduce your exposure to allergens. Similar sinus infection treatments include inhaled corticosteroids (for more severe cases), oral decongestants, nasal antihistamines, and nasal corticosteroid sprays.
Can seasonal allergies cause sinus infections?
Yes, allergies can cause sinusitis. There are a few ways this happens. Allergies can lead to inflammation of the sinuses and make it harder for mucus and bacteria to exit easily. Or, if you have a sensitivity to pollen or dust mites, that could also lead to sinusitis or allergic rhinitis.
If you have allergies, you should avoid triggers that cause allergic reactions, such as hay fever and animal dander. Avoiding these triggers will help prevent sinusitis from developing further.
How to test for sinus infection at home
A sinus infection can be diagnosed by your doctor with a nasal swab. With this, they can test for things like white blood cells and bacteria levels in the mucus. Unfortunately, if you have a history of allergies, you most likely will have to take allergy medication before your doctor can perform this test.
If you believe that you might have chronic sinusitis and want to get it checked out, there are some at-home tests that many people use as well. These tests are usually painless and only require a small amount of saline solution or water. They can either be easily purchased online or from your local pharmacy.
Why am I suddenly getting sinus infections?
If you’re experiencing a lot of sinus infections, it might be because of the type of pollution that you’re exposed to. Most people who experience this will suffer from allergies, making them more likely to develop sinus headaches.
One great way to help your body fight off sinusitis is by using a neti pot or saline solution (salt water). This can help clear out the mucus and bacteria that cause the infection and allow your body to heal without medication.
How Long Does Allergy sinus last?
If you have sinusitis, do not expect to be able to go back to normal after several days. You might think that allergies will only last for a few days before going away, but in reality, they can last for weeks or even months if your condition is not treated correctly.
In addition, inflammation caused by allergies can also cause permanent damage or lead to a secondary infection. Sinusitis is most common during spring and summertime when pollen counts are high, and inhalation from the outdoors is common.
When should you suspect you have sinusitis?
Sinusitis is usually very painful, with a headache and fever. It may not be possible to tell if you have sinusitis without seeing your GP, but it’s worth seeing them after experiencing these signs:
- Headaches that worsen when you touch or move your head
- Difficulty swallowing, which can make breathing difficult.
- Fever (either high or low).
- Pain in the eyes or face.
How do you rule out sinusitis?
When you see your GP, they usually take a nasal swab and send the sample away to be tested.
If you have any of the following symptoms, you likely have sinusitis:
- Sinus inflammation
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Headache
- Nasal discharge
If your GP doesn’t suggest testing, it’s worth being proactive and checking for these symptoms yourself. You can do this using a mirror and an over-the-counter painkiller such as paracetamol.
