Allergies vs. Sinus Infections: What’s the Difference?

Even though allergies and sinus infections can display similar symptoms, they are completely different conditions. They often get linked together because they both cause nasal inflammation, congestion, and a stuffy nose. That being said, both of these immune responses possess unique distinctions.

Allergies
An allergic reaction is your body’s way of letting you know they don’t like a foreign substance that has touched or entered your body. Often these foreign substances such as peanuts, pollen, dust, and dust dander are harmless to most people. If you have an allergy, your immune system will mistake these substances as harmful which triggers a mild to severe reaction. Signs of an allergy include:

• Runny nose
• Itchiness
• Chest tightness
• Difficulty breathing
• Blocked nose
• Conjunctivitis
• Swelling of the face
• Swelling of the mouth
• Lips or fingers turning blue
• Fainting
• Anaphylactic shock

Sinus Infection
Sinus infections cause inflammation in the nasal passages and sinus tissue. There are a few different causes of sinus infections such as viruses, nasal polyps, a deviated septum, and allergens. These types of infections vary in severity and can cause frustrating disturbances in your everyday life if not treated properly. Signs of a sinus infection include:

• Stuffy or runny nose
• Facial pain
• Chronic fatigue
• Pressure in the cheeks and nose
• Headaches or migraines
• Post-nasal drip
• Bad breath
• Cough
• Loss of smell
• White, thick nasal discharge

There are many conditions that can feel like a sinus infection. Because allergic reactions can sometimes cause similar symptoms, it is possible to believe you have a sinus infection when allergies are the actual cause and vice versa. It’s important to seek care from a clinic like Piniella Asthma + Allergy to find the root cause of your inflammation. Instead of guessing the cause of your symptoms, you can get clear answers and a much more effective treatment plan.

Fortunately, there are a few ways for you to determine whether you have allergies or a sinus infection. Sinus infections are much more likely to cause symptoms like post-nasal drip, facial pressure, headaches, and thick nasal discharge. On the other hand, those with allergies are much more likely to experience symptoms like runny nasal discharge and itchy or watery eyes.

Sinus infections can be diagnosed through a nasal endoscopy, CT scan, and sinus samples. Allergies are most often diagnosed through a skin test. Here at Piniella Asthma + Allergy, our team of specialists has the advanced technology needed to perform these tests and diagnose you accordingly.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of allergies or sinusitis, make sure to request an appointment online or give us a call during our business hours. Piniella Asthma + Allergy can help get you back to feeling like your healthiest self. For additional information on the key differences between allergies and sinus infections, schedule a consultation with our allergist-immunologist specialist. We can give you the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment plan you need to clear your symptoms as soon as possible! We serve patients from Coral Gables FL, Palmetto Bay FL, Westchester FL, Brownsville FL, Kendall FL, Pinecrest FL, Richmond West FL, and Goulds FL.