Head cold vs allergies vs sinus infection

April 12, 2013
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Pay Close Attention to Symptoms to Determine if Cause is Sinus Infection or Allergies

April 12, 2013

Dear Mayo Clinic:

I have long suffered from allergies. But there have been times when I haven't been sure if my symptoms are really from my allergies or may be caused by a sinus infection instead. How can I tell the difference?

Answer:

Allergies and sinus infections are often mistaken for one another. But they are two separate conditions. By paying close attention to the specific symptoms you have, you can usually identify which one is more likely to be causing the problem.

A sinus infection, also called sinusitis, affects the cavities around your nasal passages. The infection causes your sinuses to become inflamed and swollen. The swelling makes it hard for your sinuses to drain, and mucus builds up. You become congested and have trouble breathing through your nose. Sinusitis often causes thick yellow or green nasal discharge. A sore throat, cough or headache, as well as pressure or tenderness around your eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead, may also accompany sinusitis.

In most cases, viruses cause sinusitis. These viral infections usually go away on their own within a week to 10 days. Self-care measures such as extra rest and fluids along with over-the-counter pain relievers and decongestants can help. When sinusitis is caused by bacteria, the infection may not require treatment, either. But if it is persistent or severe, then antibiotics — such as amoxicillin, doxycycline and others — may be used to treat the infection.

Allergies can produce many of the same cold-like symptoms as a sinus infection, including sinus pressure, a runny nose and congestion. But the condition itself, called allergic rhinitis, is different. It is caused by an allergic response to allergens, such as pollen, dust mites or pet dander. This reaction happens when your immune system releases chemicals, such as histamine, into your bloodstream. These immune system chemicals lead to your allergy symptoms.

One of the key ways to tell if you are experiencing allergic rhinitis is if you have itchy, watery eyes along with your other symptoms. Itchiness is rarely a symptom of a sinus infection. Another way to tell the difference is if you have very thick yellow or green nasal discharge. That is more likely a symptom of a sinus infection.

If you have seasonal allergies triggered by pollen or spores, then the timing of your symptoms may help you decide if they are likely caused by allergies. For example, tree pollen is most common in the spring. Grass pollen is common in late spring and early summer, while ragweed pollen is prevalent in the fall. Mold and fungi spores are usually more plentiful in warm-weather months. The seasons for these allergens may be different, though, depending on the region of the country where you live.

Over-the-counter medications, such as antihistamines, can be quite effective in relieving allergy symptoms. If you are regularly bothered by allergies, ask your doctor if a prescription nasal corticosteroid may be right for you. These nasal sprays help prevent and treat nasal inflammation and congestion, while antihistamines treat the itching and runny nose that allergies can cause.

Nasal corticosteroids can be particularly helpful if you have seasonal allergies and use them just as the allergy symptoms begin. That's because when the season first starts, you need a lot of the allergen to cause symptoms. But as symptoms progress, lower amounts of allergen produce more symptoms. By starting the medication early, you might be able to diminish this effect and reduce your symptoms throughout the entire allergy season.

If you suspect your nasal congestion and other symptoms are the result of sinus problems rather than allergies, you may just need to be patient, take care of yourself and use over-the-counter medications as needed until the infection clears. However, if symptoms last for more than two weeks, or if they are severe, make an appointment to see your doctor.

— Juan Guarderas, M.D., Otorhinolaryngology and Allergy, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Fla.

Your runny nose has necessitated a “have tissue, will travel” approach to your daily life. What is causing the annoyance and what’s the best way to treat it? Unfortunately, colds and sinus allergies have very similar symptoms, but different suggested treatments. Here’s what you need to know about what’s driving your tissue usage.

Cold

What is it?

A cold is a virus. In fact, there are more than 100 types of cold viruses- which is why each of your colds may differ in symptoms and severity. The average adult catches a cold two to three times per year.

What are the symptoms?

The most common symptoms of a cold are a cough, sore throat and a runny, stuffy nose. Fevers and body aches can also result from colds.

How is it spread?

Colds are contagious and are spread through coughing, sneezing, and touch.

How long does it last?

A cold lasts on average 7 to 10 days. (Colds lasting longer than that may have worsened into an infection.)

How is it treated?

Since it is a virus, a cold is not treatable and must run its course. The medications utilized in conjunction with a cold (decongestants, pain relievers, cough and cold medicine) are those to alleviate the symptoms. Natural remedies, such as gargling with salt water, using a humidifier and drinking plenty of fluids, may also help.

Sinus Allergy

What it it?

When your immune system has an adverse reaction to certain substances, it triggers the release of chemicals called histamines, which are intended to fight off the perceived threat, but also cause the allergy symptoms.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms can include everything from sneezing, runny nose and sore throat (caused by postnasal drip) to coughing and congestion. Rashes and itchy eyes may also occur.

How is it spread?

Allergies are not contagious.

What causes it?

While allergies can be seasonal, many individuals are allergic to substances (such as pollen, dust mites, animal dander, mold and food) that they encounter year round.

How long does it last?

Without treatment, the symptoms of your allergy may continue until the original trigger is removed.

How is it treated?

Allergies can be treated. One of the most common medications are antihistamines which block histamine reactions to allergens. If sinus congestion occurs, your doctor may prescribe a decongestant for a short period of time. (Using decongestants over a long period of time may cause the congestion to worsen.)

Does a cold or a sinus allergy cause sinus infections (or sinusitis)?

Either a cold or a sinus allergy can lead to a sinus infection by causing a build up of mucus in the sinus cavities. Symptoms of sinusitis may mimic those of a cold but also include thick yellow or green nasal discharge and pressure or tenderness around your eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead. Knowing what is causing your symptoms is the first step in getting rid of them. If you believe you are suffering from allergies, it is important to work with a doctor to establish a comprehensive plan for combating them. Otherwise, your sniffles may be sticking around. Palm Beach Sleep and Sinus, under the direction of Mark T. Agrama, MD, is dedicated to the medical and surgical treatment of adult sleep, sinus and nose disorders. State of the art diagnostic protocols such as Home Sleep Studies, Laboratory Sleep Studies, Nasal Endoscopy, Video Flexible Laryngoscopy, Video Stroboscopy, Sleep Endoscopy, and CT Scan Imaging help us analyze our patient’s condition. Our mission is the optimization of Sleep and Sinus health for our patients using a comprehensive and individualized plan designed for long-term success. To discuss your sinus issues, please contact us online or call us today.