You’ve been uncomfortable for days, yet you’re not sure what the problem is. Your nose keeps on running, your head is aching, and you just plain don’t seem to be getting much better. You contemplate the idea of taking some over-the-counter allergy medication but then realize that doing so may not be the smartest choice; after all, you’re not even certain that an allergy attack is the problem. Sure, allergy season is technically in full swing, and you’re certainly no stranger to seasonal symptoms; but how can you be sure that it isn’t a sinus infection that’s causing you so much discomfort?
For many patients, allergies and sinus infections will often present themselves with similar symptoms. Both tend to produce a fair amount of nasal congestion, and it’s not uncommon for sneezing and throat problems to get introduced into the mix. However, there are some differences to look out for when trying to determine whether the ailment that keeps working to ruin your day is an allergy attack or a stubborn sinus infection.
Dr. Scott Murkin is a physician at Doctors Express, an urgent care facility in High Point, North Carolina that is equipped to handle everything from broken bones to respiratory infections, and according to him, there’s a reason why allergy and sinus infection symptoms tend to seem so similar: Allergies can actually lead to sinus problems by causing the nasal passageways to swell. In fact, it’s not uncommon for a couple of allergy-ridden weeks to result in a sinus infection that only works to prolong a patient’s pain. Since allergies and sinus infections will often go hand in hand, the act of differentiating between symptoms can be tricky.
What are some of the differences between allergies and sinus infections? For starters, allergies don’t tend to produce much in the way of nausea or body aches. In fact, most people tend to regard allergies as “highly unpleasant,” as opposed to downright unbearable. Sinus infections, though not always as intense as debilitating ailments such as the flu, do tend to cause a greater degree of upheaval. Sinus infections will often come with fever (though this is not always the case) and tend to get worse, not better, after a number of days. Sinus infections have the ability to cause fatigue, and some can even produce feelings of nausea. However, perhaps the most notable symptom of sinus infections is the presence of facial pain, particularly in the cheeks, nose and forehead. Sinus infections will often times cause throbbing in the upper teeth in addition to bad breath, and some sinus infection sufferers will experience symptoms such as throat pain and a poor sense of taste and smell. Also, it’s not unheard of for a sinus infection to spread to the inner ear and cause pain in that area as well.
How long do allergies and sinus infections usually last? According to Dr. Murkin, it depends on the patient and environmental triggers at hand. Allergies will often act up when seasonal factors such as pollen cause them to do so, and the extent to which such attacks will last is usually directly proportionate to local area allergen counts. Therefore, an allergy patient might present with symptoms for as little as a day or for as long as a week depending on what the outdoor circumstances have in store. Sinuses, on the other hand, can get infected at any time, though allergies and cold-like ailments will often play a role in sinus issues. Most sinus infections tend to last for several days, and many can carry on for multiple weeks at a time. For this reason, anyone who experiences symptoms for more than three or four days may want to consider seeing a doctor to see if treatment is in order.
When it comes to allergy treatment, some patients prefer to go the non-prescription route. In fact, many allergy sufferers are so accustomed to the idea of feeling under the weather during allergy season that they tend to avoid treatment and instead tough things out until their symptoms subside. Sinus infections, similarly, will often go away on their own. However, if a sinus infection lasts for more than 10 days, then the chances of it going away without treatment tend to grow rather slim. In fact, some sinus infections can only be properly treated with the use of prescription antibiotics. So anyone who continues to experience symptoms such as facial pain for an extended period of time should put himself out of his misery and see a doctor.
After all is said and done, allergies and sinus infections are annoying issues with which to contend. By learning to recognize the signs and symptoms of each ailment, you can put yourself in the best position to know when to seek out treatment as necessary.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
