As a response, the immune system releases a chemical called histamine, which triggers common allergy symptoms. Common allergy triggers include pollen, mold, pet dander, and dust mites.

When the body’s immune system senses a threat, it results in the swelling and inflammation of the sinus and nasal passages. This happens because the body tries to flush out the allergens; it is referred to as hay fever or allergic rhinitis.

Allergies can occur during specific seasons throughout the year or every time the body gets in contact with an allergen. While typically developed during childhood, adults can still develop allergies later in life. A family history of allergies is also a risk factor and makes a person more susceptible to developing allergies.

What Are Sinus Infections?

A sinus infection, also known as sinusitis, is the swelling and inflammation of the nasal and sinus passages, often due to viruses or bacteria causing an infection. The swelling of the sinus passages prevents proper mucus drainage, causing mucus buildup. When there is mucus buildup, it makes the person more susceptible to developing an infection.

Allergies and sinusitis are connected in the way that allergies can sometimes lead to an infection. While allergies don’t weaken the immune system, they can make the allergy sufferer more susceptible to infections.

Sinusitis can be one of two types: acute or chronic. Acute sinusitis is a short-term infection and symptoms typically resolve on their own within 10 days. Chronic sinusitis, on the other hand, is a long-term sinus infection where symptoms persist for more than 12 weeks. Patients will usually need a more aggressive treatment approach.

Allergies or Sinus Infections: Telling the Symptoms Apart

While it would be difficult to differentiate between allergies and sinusitis based on symptoms alone, it is still crucial to know the difference in symptoms:

Allergies or Sinus Infections: Getting the Proper Diagnosis

Allergies and sinus infections are diagnosed in distinct ways:

An allergist or ENT specialist will perform an allergy test to determine the presence of allergies. This is done either via a skin prick test or a blood test.

An ENT specialist can diagnose sinusitis by performing a thorough physical examination, including evaluating the patient’s sinus passages, nasal anatomy, and nasal discharge. The severity of the symptoms and the patient’s medical history will also be taken into account for an accurate diagnosis.

Allergies or Sinus Infections: Getting the Right Treatment

Allergies and sinusitis are two different conditions and will therefore require different courses of treatment to alleviate symptoms.

Both allergies and sinusitis cause nasal congestion, so both can benefit from decongestants, which can break up mucus buildup and promote better mucus drainage.

Allergy sufferers can benefit from corticosteroids as these are known to reduce the inflammation of the sinus passages. Additionally, histamines can block the body’s histamine-producing response and minimize the symptoms. There is also the option of immunotherapy to train the body to be less reactive to known allergens. The two common options are allergy drops and allergy shots.

Sinusitis symptoms can be minimized with sinus flushes, saline sprays, pain medication, and at-home steam inhalation. Acute sinusitis will typically resolve on its own, given that the patient rests well. Chronic sinusitis, on the other hand, might need a more aggressive approach, with treatments such as balloon sinuplasty.

Jacksonville Breathe Free Is an Expert in Allergies and Sinus Infections

While neither allergies nor sinusitis require emergency medical attention, it is crucial to seek professional help if your symptoms start disrupting your life and have rendered you incapable of accomplishing daily tasks. At Jacksonville Breathe Free, we are deeply committed to helping our patients find relief from various sinus problems. Schedule an appointment with us today and breathe freely again.