{"id":4749,"date":"2019-05-03T11:49:25","date_gmt":"2019-05-03T15:49:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pentadocs.com\/?p=4749"},"modified":"2023-12-04T17:17:54","modified_gmt":"2023-12-04T22:17:54","slug":"seasonal-allergies-or-sinusitis-how-to-tell-the-difference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pentadocs.com\/seasonal-allergies-or-sinusitis-how-to-tell-the-difference\/","title":{"rendered":"Seasonal Allergies or Sinusitis? How to Tell the Difference"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Now that it\u2019s Spring (finally!), you are probably enjoying longer days, warm sunshine and chirping birds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Less enjoyable? The itchy, watery eyes, stuffy or runny nose and sneezing associated with seasonal allergies<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But are your symptoms actually the result of pollen in the air, or are you instead suffering from a sinus infection<\/strong>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Distinguishing Between Allergy Symptoms and Sinus Infection<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Seasonal allergies are very common in Abington and throughout the U.S.;<\/strong> approximately 40 to 50 million people suffer from allergies triggered by pollen, mold spores and animal dander.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the symptoms can easily be confused with a chronic sinus infection called sinusitis. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both cause cold-like symptoms such as itchy eyes, nose and throat; nasal congestion and\/or discharge; cough; sneezing; hoarseness; post-nasal drip; irritability and fatigue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sinus infections<\/a> are often accompanied by facial pain and pressure, making an already unpleasant experience even worse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to tell them apart, then? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The easiest way to determine whether your symptoms are the result of allergies or sinusitis is to determine when, and how often, you experience symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Allergy symptoms<\/a> occur (or worsen) soon after you come into contact with the allergen; they are your immune system\u2019s attempt to rid your body of a potentially harmful substance such as pollen, mold and other environmental irritants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Allergies are most common in the spring and fall months but can occur year-round.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sinusitis<\/a> often follows a cold or allergies (the latter making it even more difficult to distinguish between the two).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Symptoms of sinus infection are more persistent and can linger for a long time<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The condition is considered chronic if symptoms last longer than 12 weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Treatment Solutions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you have allergies in Abington<\/strong>, try over-the-counter or prescription allergy medications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Immunotherapy<\/a> (allergy shots) or oral drops may be required for long-term relief if drugs don\u2019t help.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your first line of treatment for sinusitis might include decongestants, antibiotics, humidifiers, warm compresses, nasal sprays and corticosteroids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If these don\u2019t do the trick, your Abington ear, nose and throat doctor will likely recommend surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll probably have two options depending on the severity of your symptoms and any underlying structural issues, such as a deviated septum or nasal polyps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Endoscopic sinus surgery involves inserting a thin, flexible instrument with a small camera lens attached into your nasal passages; images transmitted from the camera allow your doctor to remove blockages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Balloon Sinuplasty<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A less-invasive procedure called Balloon Sinuplasty<\/a> is recommended for patients without physical obstructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This procedure utilizes a catheter with a small balloon attached; this is inserted through the nose and gently inflated, widening the nasal passageways and promoting fluid drainage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re suffering from these symptoms and unsure whether they are related to allergies or sinus issues, it\u2019s best to schedule an appointment with a Abington ENT specialist for the final word.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


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Related Allergy and Sinus Posts:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n