{"id":2515,"date":"2021-07-13T18:58:53","date_gmt":"2021-07-13T22:58:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/charlestonent.fm1.dev\/?p=2515"},"modified":"2021-07-13T18:58:55","modified_gmt":"2021-07-13T22:58:55","slug":"sinus-issues-allergies-or-a-sinus-infection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/charlestonent.com\/sinus-issues-allergies-or-a-sinus-infection\/","title":{"rendered":"Sinus Issues: Allergies or a Sinus Infection?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>It\u2019s common for people experiencing sinus-related symptoms to assume that they have a sinus infection, but it\u2019s often the case <a href=\"https:\/\/charlestonent.com\/allergy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">that allergies alone<\/a> are to blame. Below we review how to tell the difference between allergies and a sinus infection so you can seek appropriate treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Causes Allergies?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/charlestonent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/woman-couch-allergies-1280x853.jpg\" alt=\"Woman lying down on a couch with sinus pressure.\" class=\"wp-image-2517\" width=\"305\" height=\"202\" srcset=\"https:\/\/charlestonent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/woman-couch-allergies-1280x853.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/charlestonent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/woman-couch-allergies-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/charlestonent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/woman-couch-allergies-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/charlestonent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/woman-couch-allergies-scaled.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 305px) 100vw, 305px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Your immune system\u2019s job is to protect you from diseases, viruses and infections. But for people with allergies, their immune system mistakes harmless substances, known as allergens, as dangerous intruders. An allergic reaction occurs when your body is exposed to one of these allergens and the immune system overreacts.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In order to fight off the intruder, your immune system releases antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE), which causes your cells to release histamine. Histamine can increase your mucus production and trigger swelling and itching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Allergy symptoms include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Headache<\/li><li>Nasal congestion<\/li><li>Difficulty breathing through the nose<\/li><li>Sneezing<\/li><li>Itchy, watery eyes<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Causes Sinus Infections?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/acaai.org\/allergies\/types\/sinus-infection\">Sinus infections<\/a> are the result of <a href=\"https:\/\/charlestonent.com\/nose\/sinus\/sinusitis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">inflammation of the nasal and sinus passages<\/a>, usually caused by a virus or allergies. This inflammation causes fluid to become trapped, so it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Symptoms of a sinus infection include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Headache<\/li><li>Nasal congestion<\/li><li>Difficulty breathing through the nose<\/li><li>Facial pain\/tenderness<\/li><li>Thick discharge<\/li><li>Inability to clear mucus by blowing the nose<\/li><li>Tooth pain.<\/li><li>Fever<\/li><li>Bad breath<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Tell the Difference<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The easiest way to tell the difference between allergies and a sinus infection is to compare your symptoms. While there is some overlap, as shown above, both allergies and sinus infections have symptoms that are unique to each condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Note that it is possible to have both allergies and a sinus infection. You\u2019ll know this if you exhibit symptoms from both lists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Seeking Appropriate Treatment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Because allergies and sinus infection share some symptoms, you can treat both with over-the-counter (OTC) decongestants from somewhere such as <a href=\"https:\/\/dotspharmacy.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dottie\u2019s Pharmacy<\/a>. These help by breaking up mucus in the nasal cavities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For relief from allergy symptoms, you can also take an OTC antihistamine. These work by blocking the immune system\u2019s response to allergens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sinus infections usually clear up on their own with rest, hydration and saline rinses. For severe infections, antibiotics may be prescribed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information or to schedule an appointment with an allergy and sinus expert, call Charleston ENT &#038; Allergy today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><ul class=\"related-posts\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/charlestonent.com\/can-allergies-affect-your-mood\/\" class=\"related-post\">Can Allergies Affect Your Mood<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/charlestonent.com\/why-does-steam-help-clear-congestion\/\" class=\"related-post\">Why Does Steam Help Clear Congestion?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/charlestonent.com\/why-has-my-allergy-medication-stopped-working\/\" class=\"related-post\">Why Has My Allergy Medication Stopped Working?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It\u2019s common for people experiencing sinus-related symptoms to assume that they have a sinus infection, but it\u2019s often the case that allergies alone are to blame. Below we review how to tell the difference between allergies and a sinus infection so you can seek appropriate treatment. What Causes Allergies? Your immune system\u2019s job is to&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2517,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"Sinus infections usually clear up on their own with rest, hydration and saline rinses. For severe infections, antibiotics may be prescribed. 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