IS IT ALLERGIES, A VIRUS OR A SINUS INFECTION?
Gregory Muns, M.D., of Harbor Heights Family Medicine in Rockwall, Explains Differences
Among Common Conditions BY TAMMY ADAMS PHOTOGRAPHY BY KENDALL CROSSON
S
easonal allergies and sinus infections can produce the same
symptoms—miserable congestion, sinus pressure and headache—
sometimes making it difficult to determine the true culprit. To further
confuse things, nasal blockage caused
by allergies can increase the risk of sinus infection. So, if not best friends, allergies and sinus infections are certainly friendly acquaintances.
Here are some key differences between the two, however, that can help
you distinguish between them—if you
know what to look for.
What’s
causing
the pain?
Dr. Muns:
Sinus pain is
caused from
blockage of
the tubes
that lead to
the sinus cavities. There are two basic
causes of sinus blockage: allergies, like
hay fever; and viruses, like colds or flu.
Both of these can lead to a sinus infection, which is a bacterial growth in the
sinus cavities themselves. This is usually a complication of blockage that takes
days or weeks to develop.
Are over-the-counter medicines
helpful?
Dr. Muns: There are many things that
can provide sinus pain relief, such as
heat to the face, like a warm compress or
a hot shower. Decongestants can help to
dry out the drainage, and antihistamines
help if there is an allergy component to
the blockage. Saline irrigation can help
no matter the cause of the obstruction.
What’s the difference between
an allergy and a virus?
Dr. Muns: Allergies usually come on
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more gradually with congestion, drainage and watery eyes. Viruses are more
abrupt and tend to have low-grade fever,
cough and fatigue. A typical virus takes
seven to 10 days to run its course, where
allergies can last an entire season.
When do I need to see the doctor?
Dr. Muns: If sinus blockage last for
more than a week, antibiotics may
help to kill the bacteria. All of the
medications we prescribe for seasonal allergies work much better at
preventing the problem versus treating the symptoms once they appear.
We focus on educating our patients
about getting on top of allergies early
and treating them consistently, rather than trying to block the response
once allergy season is full-blown.
In Texas, that means early March, folks.
You may want to call your doctor today.
Gregory Muns, M.D., is a family doctor at
Harbor Heights Family Medicine, a Texas
Health Physicians Group practice in Rockwall. For more information or to schedule
an appointment, call 800-372-5656 or visit
THPG.org/RockwallAllergy.
GLOSSARY
Antihistamine drugs: A group of
drugs that blocks the effects of histamine, a chemical released in body
fluids during an allergic reaction.
They reduce itching, sneezing and
runny nose.
Histamine: A chemical present in
cells throughout the body that is
released during an allergic reaction.
Histamine is the major reason for
running of the nose, sneezing and
itching in allergic rhinitis.
Rhinitis (hay fever): An inflammation of the mucous membrane
that lines the nose, often due to
an allergy to pollen, dust or other
airborne substances. Seasonal
allergic rhinitis is also known as
“hay fever,” a disorder that causes
sneezing, itching, a runny nose and
nasal congestion.
Sinusitis: Inflammation of the
membrane lining the facial sinuses,
often caused by bacterial or viral
infection.
— American College of Allergy,
Asthma & Immunology