Of course, each year millions of persons experience one or more nasal symptoms. But, are they the result of an allergy or of a sinus infection? And, most importantly, is there a difference between the two?  Let’s take a closer look at allergies and sinus infections.

Allergies 101

The most common allergy is hay fever (allergic rhinitis). This is nothing more than the body’s allergic response to microscopic particles, organisms or pollen.  The symptoms of this allergy include nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy and watery eyes and running nose. Of course, these symptoms can be easily symptoms of a cold or a flu, which means also a sinus infection. However, the main difference between the two is that the flu or a cold is accompanied by fever and sore throat.  Another massive difference is that while colds or the flu lasts about seven days, allergies can last a lot longer.

Sinus Infection Explained

Sinus infection or sinusitis is a result of a bacterial, virus or fungi infection. Our sinuses are small openings in our nose that are filled with air. When they become infected, they are blocked by fluid that breeds the germs that cause a sinus infection.

Sinusitis can be acute, chronic or recurrent, based on the length of time of symptoms.

What are the treatment options?

A doctor can easily make the difference between a sinus infection and allergies and prescribe a treatment. Allergies are usually treated symptomatically with decongestants, antihistamines and nasal corticosteroids, while a sinus infection in usually treated with antibiotics.