Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesDifferencesSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentPrevention
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
Differences
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
When to Call 911
Verywell / Sydney Saporito
Allergies vs. Sinus Infection
Sinus infection(sinusitis) is an infection that occurs in the sinuses, which are air-filled spaces lined withmucous membranesin the forehead, cheeks, and around your nose. Sinusitis occurs when these cavities become inflamed or blocked, creating an ideal environment for infection-causing pathogens to grow.
Sinus infections frequently occur after a bout of congestion or a recent cold or allergies. Additionally, sinus infections are more likely to occur in people who have adeviated septum,nasal polyps, or a weakened immune system. Each of these can lead to inflammation or blockage in the sinuses.
How to Tell the Difference
Sinus infection and allergies look and feel similar in several ways. However, there are a few key differences that can help you tell them apart:
The following sections will take a closer look at the differences and similarities between the two, along with how they are diagnosed and treated.
The onset and duration of symptoms differ between allergies and sinusitis. When you have allergies, your symptoms will develop shortly after being exposed to the offending allergen.
For example, if you are allergic to cat dander, you might develop symptoms within seconds to minutes after coming in contact with a cat. Those symptoms should improve shortly after removing yourself from the cat or its environment.
Sinus infection symptoms develop more gradually and shouldn’t last longer than seven to 10 days. These symptoms often develop after a respiratory infection, such as a cold, but can also develop as a result of allergies.
In very severe cases, exposure to an allergen can trigger a life-threatening allergic reaction calledanaphylaxis. When this happens, the airways can swell and tighten, making it hard to breathe.
This type of reaction does not occur with sinus infection. Other symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that can be fatal unless rapidly treated. If you have symptoms of anaphylaxis, call 911 or go to an emergency room immediately.
Tests used to diagnose allergies include:
Skin and intradermal testing involves exposing you to potential substances (allergens) and then monitoring your reaction to the substance.
Allergy treatmentinvolves identifying and avoiding the substance you are allergic to. Medications to control symptoms or alter the immune response are commonly used and may include:
Other treatments are used for managing symptoms of a sinus infection, as well as any underlying causes of infection. Treatments for managing symptoms of a sinus infection include:
Treatments used to address the root cause of the sinus infection include:
Summary
To tell the difference between allergies and sinus infections, pay attention to the type and duration of symptoms. Allergies typically cause clear, runny mucus, sneezing, and itchy eyes that can occur quickly after exposure to allergens. Sinus infections often lead to thick, discolored mucus, facial pain, and pressure that develop gradually and can last seven to 10 days.
Treatment and relief are available for both, so you should see a healthcare provider if you’ve had significant symptoms of either condition that have lasted more than 10 days.
10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Colds, allergies, and sinusitis - how to tell the difference.American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Anaphylaxis.Nemours KidsHealth.Definition: Histamine.Penn Medicine.Sinus infection (sinusitis).American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Sinus infection.Mount Sinai.Allergic reactions.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Anaphylaxis.Mount Sinai.Allergy testing.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Allergy diagnosis.Cleveland Clinic.Sinus infection (sinusitis).
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Colds, allergies, and sinusitis - how to tell the difference.American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Anaphylaxis.Nemours KidsHealth.Definition: Histamine.Penn Medicine.Sinus infection (sinusitis).American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Sinus infection.Mount Sinai.Allergic reactions.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Anaphylaxis.Mount Sinai.Allergy testing.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Allergy diagnosis.Cleveland Clinic.Sinus infection (sinusitis).
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Colds, allergies, and sinusitis - how to tell the difference.American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Anaphylaxis.Nemours KidsHealth.Definition: Histamine.Penn Medicine.Sinus infection (sinusitis).American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Sinus infection.Mount Sinai.Allergic reactions.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Anaphylaxis.Mount Sinai.Allergy testing.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Allergy diagnosis.Cleveland Clinic.Sinus infection (sinusitis).
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Colds, allergies, and sinusitis - how to tell the difference.
American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Anaphylaxis.
Nemours KidsHealth.Definition: Histamine.
Penn Medicine.Sinus infection (sinusitis).
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Sinus infection.
Mount Sinai.Allergic reactions.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Anaphylaxis.
Mount Sinai.Allergy testing.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Allergy diagnosis.
Cleveland Clinic.Sinus infection (sinusitis).
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