Allergies or Sinus Infection? How Woodbridge Residents Can Tell the Difference

Nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, runny nose, and headache are all signs of some type of sinus issue. Their symptoms are frustrating to deal with and can be very difficult to manage. If left untreated, they can quickly impact one’s quality of life. If you’re in Woodbridge or Prince William County, you know how hard it can be to tell the difference between allergy symptoms and a sinus infection.

Respiratory conditions run rampant: in the United States alone, about 50 million people have some type of allergy, while about 30 million people suffer from sinus infections at least once a year.

Although completely different conditions, allergies and sinus infections can result in similar symptoms. Because they share many similarities, it becomes easy to confuse the two. However, knowing the difference between allergies and sinus infections is a crucial part of getting the appropriate treatment you need to get better.

What Are Allergies?

Allergies are the body’s immune response to seemingly harmless substances, known as allergens, mistakenly identified as a threat. Common allergens include pollen, mold, dust mites, and pet dander. As a response to these external triggers, the immune system releases a chemical called histamines, which triggers common allergy symptoms like frequent sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy and watery eyes.

When the body comes into contact with an allergen, the immune system “overreacts”, resulting in the swelling and inflammation of the sinus passages. Also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, this happens when the body tries to flush out the allergens.

Allergies typically develop during childhood, but adults can develop them later in life. A family history of allergies can also make a person more susceptible to developing allergies.

Allergies can occur during specific times of the year or whenever the body comes in contact with a trigger.

What Are Sinus Infections?

A sinus infection, also called sinusitis, is the inflammation and swelling of the sinus passages due to infection from viruses or bacteria. This inflammation blocks the nasal airways, trapping mucus inside the sinus cavities. When there are blocked sinuses and a buildup of mucus, it becomes an ideal breeding ground for germs, viruses, and bacteria, making a person more susceptible to infections.

There are two major types of sinusitis: acute and chronic. Acute sinusitis is a short-term infection where symptoms usually subside on their own within 10 days. Chronic sinusitis is a long-term infection that lasts for more than 12 weeks and requires a more advanced approach to treatment.

Sinusitis and allergies are related in the way that allergies, although they don’t weaken the immune system, can make someone more susceptible to infection due to the inflammation of the sinuses.

Sinus Infections vs Allergies: How Woodbridge Residents Can Tell Them Apart

In Woodbridge and surrounding Northern Virginia communities, we often hear the same question from patients: 'Do I have allergies or a sinus infection?' Here’s how to tell them apart.

Allergies and Sinusitis: Diagnosis and Treatment

At Capitol Breathe Free in Woodbridge, we use thorough in-office evaluations to determine whether your symptoms are due to allergies or a sinus infection.

Diagnosing Allergies

An ENT specialist or allergist will perform an allergy test to identify allergies. This can be done via a simple skin prick test or a blood test.

Treating Allergies

Allergy symptoms may be managed with decongestants, corticosteroids, antihistamines, and nasal sprays. These medications break down mucus buildup and reduce sinus inflammation. For long-term allergy relief, there is also the option of immunotherapy, which trains the immune system to be less reactive to allergens.

Diagnosing Sinusitis

An ENT specialist diagnoses a sinus infection via a physical examination. Part of the examination will evaluate the patient’s sinus passages, nasal anatomy, and nasal discharge. Your care provider will also take into account the severity of the symptoms and the patient’s medical history.

Treating Sinusitis

Steam inhalation, decongestants, nasal sprays, and pain medication can help manage the frustrating symptoms of sinusitis. For Woodbridge patients with chronic sinusitis, we may recommend balloon sinuplasty, a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small balloon to widen the sinus openings.

Capitol Breathe Free, an ENT Expert in Woodbridge, VA

Whether you're in Woodbridge, Dale City, or nearby Northern Virginia communities, our experienced team at Capitol Breathe Free is here to help. Schedule a consultation with our team and start breathing freely today!

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