COLD & FLU RELIEF

sinus infection vs. allergies: how to
tell the difference

The information provided on this site is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for medical advice, diagnosis and treatment.

The information provided on this site is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Please consult a healthcare professional for medical advice, diagnosis and treatment.

Headache, sinus pressure, a stuffy nose, watery eyes… whether it’s allergies or a sinus infection, one thing’s for sure: They both can make you feel miserable. Learn more about the differences between these unpleasant symptoms and how to get fast relief.

allergies vs. sinus infection symptoms

Compare the symptoms in this chart to help determine whether you have allergies or a sinus infection.

Symptom	Allergies	Sinus Infection
Itchy eyes
Sneezing
Nasal congestion
Headache
Yellow or green mucus
Fever
Painful, swollen feeling around your forehead, eyes and cheeks
Bad breath

what causes allergies?

Allergies are very common and are usually triggered at certain times of the year when pollen, ragweed or mold levels are high. You can also be exposed to indoor allergens like pet dander and dust mites year-round.

When you have an allergic reaction, your immune system responds by releasing histamine. Histamine causes your nasal passages to swell and create mucus to flush out the allergens. All that mucus can lead to congestion, a runny nose, and other cold-like symptoms.

common allergy symptoms

If you suffer from allergies, you probably have some of these common symptoms:

Runny or stuffy nose

Sneezing

Itchy Eyes

Fatigue

what causes a sinus infection?

A sinus infection, or sinusitis, can develop from allergies or a cold. They happen when fluid builds up in one or more of the air-filled pockets in the face (sinuses)—this fluid buildup causes inflammation and allows germs to grow. As fluid builds up, this can cause congestion and a runny nose. Viruses cause most sinus infections, but sometimes bacteria can cause them as well. If that’s the case, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic.

common sinus infection symptoms

If you think your cold or allergies have turned into a sinus infection, then you may have:

Thick, yellow or green mucus
Headaches
Pressure around your forehead, eyes and cheeks
Slight fever
Bad breath (caused by postnasal drip in your throat)

how to manage allergies or sinus infections

Allergy and sinus infection symptoms can both be addressed with over-the-counter medications and home remedies. See a healthcare provider if you have: severe symptoms (such as severe headache or facial pain), symptoms that get worse after improving, symptoms lasting more than 10 days without getting better, fever longer than 3-4 days and/or multiple sinus infections in the past year. This list is not all-inclusive—please see a healthcare provider for any symptom that is severe or concerning.

Drink fluids

Drinking water, warm tea or broth will help keep your body hydrated and loosen up mucus.

Use a nasal spray

Afrin® No Drip Allergy Sinus Pump Mist can help relieve sinus pressure instantly by reducing swelling in inflamed nasal passages.

Rinse your sinuses

Rinsing your nasal passages with a saline solution can help flush out mucus and allergens from your nose.

Avoid allergens when possible

If you have seasonal allergies, stay indoors, and keep windows closed when pollen is high.

Take over the counter meds to relieve allergy symptoms

Alka-Seltzer™ Cold, Cold & Sinus Maximum Strength Fast Gels and Alka-Seltzer™ Cold, Cold & Sinus Maximum Strength Fast Dissolve Tablets, Berry Flavor can help relieve sinus pressure and congestion caused by allergies or a sinus infection for up to seven days. It contains an antihistamine that blocks your body’s histamine-producing response to allergens, as well as a decongestant to relieve nasal congestion.

Always use over-the-counter medications as directed.

References