According to DrGreene.com, allergies are a common cause of sinus infections, but they are not the same thing. It can be difficult to distinguish between the two, especially when a person's allergies cause nasal congestion, a runny nose and sneezing. In order for a person to receive a proper diagnosis, she needs to consult a doctor. Attempting to differentiate between allergies and a sinus infection is difficult for a person to do on her own. Only a doctor can validate an infection and suggest the proper treatment.
Different Symptoms
The most obvious difference between allergies and a sinus infection is the different symptoms, according to myOptumHealth.com. Allergies will cause the nose to run, producing a clear and thin mucus discharge, while a sinus infection produces thick and yellowish-green discharge. Sinus infections can also lead to a fever, but allergies never cause body temperature to rise. Allergies will make the nose itchy, causing the person to rub his nose. A sinus infection does not promote an itchy sensation.
Different Sources
The source of allergies is a particular substance that causes the body's immune system to fight it off by releasing histamine. Histamine causes the typical allergic reactions such as watery eyes, nasal congestion and an itchy throat. If a person comes into contact with the allergen, the body will react immediately. Transversely, a sinus infection is the result of a bacteria or virus that settles in the nose, causing inflammation and sinus pressure and pain.
Different Treatments
A sinus infection is typically treated with antibiotics if it is the result of a bacterial infection, according to MayoClinic.com. Sinus infections can cause sinus headaches and sinus pressure, which are treated with decongestants and pain relievers. The first approach in treating allergies is to avoid the allergy triggers, explains FamilyDoctor.org. For example, if a person is allergic to cat dander, she should not go near cats. Allergies are also treated with antihistamine drugs that reduce allergic reaction symptoms.
Different Timeframe
Allergies can last all year, while sinus infections typically clear up within a few weeks, says MayoClinic.com. As long as the allergen is in the person's presence, it will affect his sinuses, eyes and throat. Once the bacteria or virus is eliminated from the person's sinus cavity, the infection subsides.
