Sinusitis vs. Allergies

Sinusitis is a condition of the nasal passage. Sinusitis can be the result of an infection, allergies, a bacteria or a cold. There are two types of sinusitis, chronic and acute. Allergies are your body's response to substances, such as pollen, dander or bee venom. Allergies can create symptoms with your skin, sinuses, airways (lungs) or your digestive system. Sinusitis symptoms do not last for long. Allergy symptoms range in severity and can rarely result in complications, such as anaphylaxis.

Acute Sinusitis

• Acute sinusitis is a condition that can be caused by a cold, bacteria, allergies or fungal infections. When you suffer from acute sinusitis, the cavities within your nasal passages become inflamed and swollen. It may feel as if your face is swollen, and you may develop a headache. Acute sinusitis that lasts for more than two months can lead to chronic sinusitis.

Acute Sinusitis Symptoms

• Symptoms may include a nasal discharge that is thick and yellow or greenish. You may have difficulty in breathing, have pressure and swelling of the nose and eyes and feel as if your jaw is aching. Other symptoms include coughing (worse at night due to drainage), sore throat, ear pain, bad breath and fatigue. According to the Mayo Clinic, you should see a physician if you develop a fever higher than 100.5 degrees F, have symptoms that do not improve or have a history of chronic sinusitis.

Chronic Sinusitis

• Chronic sinusitis causes your nasal passages to become swollen and inflamed. According to the Mayo Clinic, chronic sinusitis can occur due to an infection, growths (nasal polyps) within the nasal cavity or due to a deviated septum. Chronic sinusitis can make breathing difficult and is similar to acute sinusitis. However, with chronic sinusitis, fatigue is more extreme and fevers are uncommon.

Chronic Sinusitis Symptoms

• With chronic sinusitis, you will develop a thick yellowish or greenish discharge. This discharge can cause coughing as a result of it running down the back of your throat. Nasal passages can become congested. You may also develop headaches as a result of sinus pressure. Other symptoms of chronic sinusitis are like the symptoms of acute sinusitis. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, you should see your physician if you have had sinusitis in the past and are unable to treat your condition currently, if you have had sinusitis for more than seven days or if symptoms do not resolve themselves after you have seen your doctor.

Allergies

• According to the Mayo Clinic, an allergy occurs when your immune system mistakes a foreign substance for a harmful invader. Your immune system creates a protein known as IgE antibodies. IgE antibodies try to protect your body from foreign substances that can potentially make you ill or cause an infection within the body. When you have an allergy to a substance, your body will create antibodies thinking that the allergen is harmful. Your body will release histamines in response to the production of antibodies.

Symptoms

• Symptoms vary and depend on the type of allergic response you are having. For example, if you have hay fever, you will experience congestion, itchy and runny nose, or itchy and watery eyes. A food allergen can create tingling of the mouth, swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat. With a food allergen, you can also develop hives. Some allergies can trigger a condition known as anaphylaxis (such as a bee sting). If you develop wheezing of the chest, difficulty in breathing, a rapid but weak pulse, nausea and vomiting, swelling or your airways (throat), lightheadedness or feel as if you are going to faint, seek immediate help as these symptoms are considered a medical emergency.