A runny nose, congestion, and constant sneezing are the no-fun hallmarks of allergies in the summertime. But what if you’re actually dealing with a sinus infection? We’ll give a lowdown on how to tell the difference between the two and how you can get relief.
Schaumburg Immediate Care offers immediate care for conditions ranging from STDs to sore throats. We’re also happy to diagnose and help you manage allergies, but if you’re actually dealing with a sinus infection (or sinusitis), we can treat that too.
First, it’s easy to confuse sinusitis with common allergic reactions to seasonal changes, and vice versa. That’s because the symptoms of both issues are very similar, creating sneezing, a runny nose, congestion, and wheezing. It can be easy to conclude that you’re dealing with allergies, rather than investigating further, if you’ve had them for a long time.
In addition, sinus infections tend to resolve after a few weeks, but in some cases, they can cause chronic symptoms that may last for years or even decades. Allergies are also long-lasting, their symptoms disappearing and cropping up again as the seasons change.
Finally, many people wonder if allergies can actually lead to sinus infections. While the second is associated with either a bacterial or a viral infection, extensive studies have been conducted with little understanding of exactly how allergies and sinusitis are interlinked. Suffice it to say that many people who have one tend to also experience the other.
But how can you really know if you’re dealing with allergies or a sinus infection? One of the best and easiest ways to make this distinction is to look at your symptoms. Though many of them are similar, if you notice watery, itchy eyes during a flare-up, you’re likely dealing with allergies. Sinus pressure, fatigue, and sore throat are all associated with sinus infections.
You should also look at the trajectory of your illness. Did it crop up as the seasons changed? Did you notice yourself having sneezing fits more often when you were outside and exposed to pollen? If so, you’re likely dealing with allergies. Long-term experiences of fatigue and congestion with no fluctuations, however, are probably signs of a sinus infection.
We often hear about sinusitis in the wintertime, but summer colds can lead to sinus infections. You may also have recovered from an illness in the winter or spring and are still experiencing uncomfortable symptoms, which are likely a sign of a sinus infection. If you’re able to stay indoors for a few days, give it a try and see if the symptoms get better. If they don’t, you’re probably dealing with sinusitis rather than seasonal allergies.
You don’t have to live with the fluctuation of allergy symptoms or the exhaustive strain of a sinus infection. We’ll be happy to help you with either one or both. We’re available to examine your nasal passageways and help narrow down the problem. If you’re only experiencing allergies, we may prescribe you allergy meds and offer at-home remedies to try.
If you have a sinus infection, however, we may be able to manage it with antibiotics if the infection is bacterial. If not, we can offer you over-the-counter medication recommendations as well as other at-home remedies to help break up a viral infection. Whatever the case, we can help you manage your symptoms and start to breathe easier again.
It’s possible to have both of these issues at the same time, and trust us, we know it’s no fun. But the good news is, with medications and/or good, old-fashioned rest, you’ll start feeling well again in no time. Just visit us at our Schaumburg, Illinois, office today.
Call 847-250-1700 to make an appointment. You can also visit us online to start feeling like yourself again.
