Maryland is notorious for its spring allergy season. The state’s blooming trees and flowers may be beautiful, but they can produce uncomfortable sneezing, runny nose, sinus congestion and itchy eyes, nose and mouth, as well as postnasal drip and cough.
Unfortunately, this collection of symptoms can also indicate a few other conditions, including a common cold or sinus infection. Learn more about spring allergies and how you can differentiate them from a cold or sinus infection.
What exactly is the difference between a cold, sinus infection and allergies?
While they have similar symptoms, these conditions have different root causes:
- Cold: A common viral infection that affects your nose and throat. Keep in mind that COVID-19 can have similar symptoms.
- Sinus Infection: Inflammation of the nasal passages caused by bacteria.
- Allergies: Inflammation of the nasal passages caused by exposure to pollen or other allergens.
How can you tell allergies and a cold apart?
The symptoms of a cold and allergies may be similar, but they develop differently. With a cold, your sore throat appears on the first day and is typically short-lived. Nasal symptoms like congestion, runny nose, and a cough begin the second and third day of the cold. Allergies show similar symptoms, but a cold lasts about a week and allergy symptoms persist. Keep in mind that COVID-19 can have similar symptoms to the cold or flu. Learn more about COVID-19.
How do you treat allergies?
For mild symptoms or symptoms that you experience irregularly, you can use an antihistamine like Claritin, Zyrtec or Allegra. Stay away from antihistamines that cause drowsiness, such as Benadryl. An antihistamine nasal spray like azelastine or a steroid nasal spray like Flonase or Nasacort can also be helpful for relieving congestion, runny nose, and sneezing.
Sinus flushes, also called nasal saline irrigation, can also be used to cleanse the nasal passages and relieve the pressure of congestion. Some brands that doctors recommend include the neti pot or NeilMed Sinus Rinse.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, nasal irrigation systems can cause sinus infections when not used properly or cleaned well after use. Only rinse with distilled, sterile or previously boiled water and follow the device’s instructions carefully.
Can allergies turn into sinus infections?
Yes. Allergies cause the nasal passages to swell, which can sometimes trap the mucus inside the sinuses and cause a bacterial infection. Symptoms of a sinus infection include green mucus, pain in the face or teeth, and a cough lasting longer than a week. Some people may also get a low-grade fever.
How is a sinus infection treated?
Bacterial sinus infections are usually treated with penicillin-based medications, but people with a penicillin allergy can take alternative antibiotics like doxycycline or azithromycin. Anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen or Tylenol, nasal steroids like Flonase and oral decongestants like Sudafed can also be used. If you experience recurring sinus infections, it may be time to see an ear, nose and throat specialist or allergist.
When should you consult an allergist?
There are many different instances where consulting an allergist is appropriate. Consider seeing an allergist if you have:
- Prolonged or severe allergy symptoms
- Recurring sinus infections
- Recurring ear infections
- Asthma
- Nasal polyps (noncancerous tumors in the nasal passage)
Depending on what type of insurance you have, you may be required to get a referral from your primary care doctor to see an allergist.
