How to Tell the Difference Between Winter Allergies and Sinus Infections: Treatment Guide
By- Dr. Vijay Verma, Consultant – Allergy & ENT Specialist, CK Birla Hospital Gurugram
Winter can be a very challenging season for many, as cold weather is often accompanied by sneezing, a runny nose, and congestion. However, how do you differentiate between winter allergies and a sinus infection? While both conditions may seem to present similarly, they are caused by different factors and therefore require different treatments.
Winter Allergies
Allergies occur when your body’s immune system reacts to non-harmful things, such as dust, pollen, mold, or pet dander. During winter, people spend more time indoors. This increases exposure to allergens found indoors, which include dust mites, mold, and pet hair.
Symptoms of winter allergies:
- Sneezing
- Liquid or clogged nose
- Itching eyes, nose, or throat
- watery eyes
- Symptoms can last weeks or even months if allergens are present.
Sinus infection
Sinus infection, sinusitis is the medical term referring to an inflammation of your sinuses, which are air-filled spaces in your face. Infection, either bacterial or viral, usually causes the infection. It may arise as a result of cold or flu.
Sinusitis symptoms
- Thick yellow or green mucus
- Headache and facial pain that includes eyes, nose or the area around the forehead
- Pain or pressure on the face
- Fever
- Loss of smell
Symptoms are usually transient, lasting from 10 days to a few weeks and resolving with time or treatment.
Key Differences Between Winter Allergies and Sinus Infections
1. Duration: Allergies last as long as you continue to be exposed to the allergen. For example, sinus infections can last up to several weeks but eventually disappear on their own.
2. Colour of Mucus: While a runny nose due to allergies results in thin clear mucus, a sinus infection will typically yield thick yellow or green mucus.
3. Itching eyes and a nose usually indicate allergy symptoms, rather than being characteristics of sinus infections.
4. Fever: A fever is more common with sinus infections but rare with allergies.
Treatment for Winter Allergies
- Clean your home so it becomes dust mite-free and mold-free. Install an air purifier if necessary.
- Medication: Over-the-counter medications can alleviate sneezing and itchiness. Nasal sprays are also available for alleviation of congestion.
- Fluid Intake: Hydration should be maintained by drinking sufficient amounts of water to moisten the nasal passages.
- Steam Inhalation: This treatment method is used to clear nasal passage obstruction.
Sinus Infection Treatment
- Rest and Fluids: Provide your body time to heal, and drink fluids, such as water, tea, and clear soups, in copious amounts to thin out mucus.
- Warm Compress: A warm cloth on the face can ease sinus pain and pressure.
- Over-the-Counter Medications: Over-the-counter medications for a decongestant or pain reliever will offer short-term relief.
- If the signs are present for over 10 days or are getting worse, visit a doctor. Bacterial sinus infections might require antibiotics.
If you are not sure that it is an allergy or a sinus infection, consult a doctor. Seek medical help immediately if you have high fever, severe facial pain, or symptoms that last more than two weeks.
Knowing the difference between winter allergies and sinus infections will help you handle your symptoms properly and recover right away. Stay warm, healthy, and breathe easily this winter!
