Symptoms of Allergies and Sinusitis

Not sure if you have allergies or sinusitis? Your Detroit, Southfield, Novi, Livonia and St. Clair Shores, MI, otolaryngologist at Ear, Nose & Throat Consultants can find out which condition is to blame for your symptoms and recommend helpful treatment options.

Symptoms of allergies and sinusitis

Figuring out if you have allergies or sinusitis can be difficult, as these conditions share several symptoms in common, including nasal congestion, coughing, headache, trouble breathing through your nose, and fatigue.

In addition to these symptoms, allergies can cause:

• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Itchy, red, watery eyes
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Chest tightness
• Wheezing

Other symptoms of sinusitis may include:

• Yellow or green mucus
• Pain and pressure in your forehead and cheeks and around your eyes
• Neck pain
• Fever
• Ear pain and pressure
• Post-nasal drip
• Bad breath
• Pain in your upper teeth that feels as if you have a cavity

Sinusitis often occurs after you've had a cold or another upper respiratory illness. The illness causes inflammation and swelling in your sinuses, which makes it difficult for mucus to drain easily. Sinusitis can be caused by viral, bacterial or fungal infections.

If your congestion, coughing and headache are caused by allergies, you may notice the change in seasons triggers the symptoms. Allergies happen when your immune system overreacts to a harmless substance, like pollen, dust, mold, grass, animal dander, ragweed and other allergens. Although many people assume that allergies start during childhood, you can develop an allergy at any point in your life.

Treating allergies and sinusitis

Once your otolaryngologist in Detroit, Southfield, Novi, Livonia and St. Clair Shores, MI, determines whether your symptoms are caused by sinusitis or allergies, he or she will recommend treatments that will relieve your symptoms. If you have allergies, antihistamines, decongestants, eye drops, nasal sprays and other medications may be helpful. Immunotherapy is another option and involves injecting small amounts of an allergen into your body, which gradually decreases your reaction to the substance.

Viral sinusitis often gets better on its own, although decongestants and antihistamines can help you feel more comfortable until the infection goes away. If sinusitis lasts more than a few weeks, you may have the bacterial form of the infection. If that's the case, your otolaryngologist will prescribe antibiotics to kill the germs.

Do you need help managing your allergies or sinusitis? Call Ear, Nose & Throat Consultants in Detroit, Southfield, Novi, Livonia and St. Clair Shores, MI, at (248) 569-5985 to schedule your appointment.