Colds, Allergies and Sinusitis — How to Tell the Difference This article has been reviewed by Thanai Pongdee, MD, FAAAAI

Cold weather is a prime time for stuffy noses, sore Most cases of sinusitis throats and watery, itchy eyes. But if your symp- resolve without antibiotics toms last more than a week, or if they seem to in about two weeks. De- turn off and on based on your surroundings, you congestants, nasal sprays, may be battling allergies or sinusitis. Proper diag- hot packs, humidifiers or nosis and treatment can lead to quicker recovery salt water rinses may ease and less misery. symptoms. Colds are caused by a virus where allergies are For people with allergies, caused by exposure to allergens. Colds and allergies there are steps you can can both lead to sinusitis which occurs when the take to reduce your risk sinuses become swollen and blocks mucous from of sinusitis. Your aller- draining, leading to painful pressure and infection. gist/immunologist may People with allergies or asthma are more likely to recommend long-term develop sinusitis because their nasal and sinus tis- treatments such as al- sue can become swollen when they breathe in trig- lergy shots, medication to control inflammation and gers like dust, pollen or smoke. avoidance of allergy triggers.

Colds Allergies Sinusitis

Symptoms Similar to allergies, but Runny or stuffy nose; Swollen, painful feeling around forehead, eyes and cheeks; may also include sore sneezing; wheezing; stuffy nose with thick, colored mucous; bad tasting post- throat, fever and body watery or itchy eyes nasal drip; bad breath; sore throat; cough; tiredness and aches occasional light fever Warning Develops over several Begins shortly after Stuffy nose and cough lasting longer than one or two weeks Time days exposure to an allergen Duration Should clear up Lasts as long as Acute sinusitis refers to symptoms that last less than within several days exposure four weeks. Chronic sinusitis is when symptoms last three months or longer.

Did you know?

• The majority of sinus infections are caused by a virus, such as a cold. Less than 2% are bacterial. • Antibiotics don’t help viral infections. • People with allergies are more likely to suffer Your source for more information sinus problems. or to find an allergist/immunologist.

To the Point Knowing whether your symptoms are caused by a cold, allergies or sinusitis is the first step to- ward choosing the proper treatment. AAAAI-0312-484

03/2012