Allergy and Sinus Infection: Nasal Problems are Nothing to Sneeze At
1. Allergy and Sinus Infection: Nasal Problems are Nothing to Sneeze At
Many people confuse allergies with
sinus infections. On the surface, these
two conditions share a few similarities.
They both affect millions of people
every day and, more importantly, they
both show common symptoms that
include:
Nasal congestion
Sore throat
Fullness that runs through the
cheek, brows, and forehead
Reduced sense of smell
Sneezing
Spot the differences
Allergic reactions and sinusitis have several noticeable differences, though. For one,
nasal discharge from allergies is clear or white in color. Mucus discharge from swollen
sinuses, on the other hand, is thick and green. Allergies can cause watery eyes and
conjunctivitis while sinus infection may cause fever. Headaches and the painful
sensation in the cheeks, brow, and forehead are also more common with sinusitis.
Wiping out the problems
Determining the differences between an allergy and sinus infection is important for
proper prevention and treatment. A person with allergies can often control the
symptoms by taking antihistamines. An allergy test may also be done to determine the
causeof the reaction in order to avoid it.
With sinusitis, a patient can feel better after enough rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and
taking over-the-counter medicines to treat the symptoms. Experts also recommend salt
2. water nasal sprays to clean out the nasal cavity, wash away viruses, and moisturize the
swollen sinus. Pain relievers and decongestants can also be helpful.
Serious sinus cases
Persistent cases call for more aggressive
treatments. Most people treat sinusitis with
medications such as antibiotics. Those
suffering from recurring infections due to
blockage to the flow of mucus from the
sinuses may seek surgery. Sinus surgery
can get rid of blockages while enlarging the
sinus openings to drain it. This method can
help avoid further infections in the future. To
determine the extent of the problem and the
appropriate treatment, the patient may need
to undergo a CT scan.
Getting medical attention is important as soon as an infection is suspected. The faster a
person seeks treatment, the sooner they can return to the irregular routine.
Resources:
http://pacificspecialists.com/ent/nose-sinus/