WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ALLERGIES AND SINUSITIS?

When you suffer from allergies, or allergic rhinitis, you may experience a lot of uncomfortable nasal symptoms. But how can you tell if your symptoms are just your allergies acting up, or something more serious like sinusitis (also known as sinus infection)?

When you feel under the weather, it can be difficult to pinpoint the culprit behind your nasty nasal symptoms. This article can help by breaking down the key differences between allergies and a sinus infection.

	ALLERGIC RHINITIS	SINUSITIS
What is it?	Inflammation in the nose.	Inflammation of the sinuses. Your sinuses are located in the the forehead, cheekbones, and behind the nose.
What causes it?	Indoor and outdoor allergens such as pollen, mould, dust, and pet dander.	Sinus infection is usually caused by a virus or bacteria. But it can also be caused by nasal polyps or a deviated nasal septum.
What are common symptoms?	Common symptoms of allergic rhinitis include sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy nose, and itchy, watery eyes. Your nose may produce a thick, pale yellow mucus. In addition, some people may also experience sinus pain and pressure.	Thick yellow or greenish mucus, frontal headaches, sinus pressure (tenderness and swelling around the eyes, cheeks, nose and forehead), fever, bad breath, and reduced sense of smell and taste*.
What should I do?	You may want to talk to an allergist to identify the causes of your allergy symptoms, so you can avoid them when possible. Taking the right allergy medicine as soon as your symptoms start can help alleviate symptoms.	If you think you may have sinusitis, see your doctor for diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan.

ALLERGIC
RHINITIS