Sinus Infection from Allergies: Causes, Symptoms and How We Treat Them

If you have frequent allergies, you’re no doubt familiar with the bothersome symptoms they cause, like sneezing, itchy eyes, a runny nose and sinus congestion. But what about getting a sinus infection from allergies – is that a possible outcome?  

If you’ve had different symptoms lately, you may be wondering if what you have instead is a sinus infection, which has similar symptoms, but is a more serious issue that can be caused by allergies.

We’ll take a look at the difference between allergy and sinus infection symptoms to help you identify which condition is causing you trouble, so you can get the relief you need. We’ll also address how managing allergies can help prevent sinus infections from occurring in the first place.

At Cary Medical Group, we provide individualized treatment plans for allergy and sinus conditions, so you can find relief and get back to living the healthiest life possible. We invite you to contact us to learn more.

Can You Get a Sinus Infection from Allergies?

While allergies and sinus infections are two separate conditions, an allergy can lead to a sinus infection. A sinus infection caused by allergies is known as allergic sinusitis.

This happens when exposure to allergens like pollen, mold, dust, or pet dander causes inflammation and swelling of the sinus passageways. The swelling narrows or blocks the nasal passages, preventing mucus from draining and causing a buildup. Mucus buildup creates an ideal environment for bacteria and viruses, which can lead to an infection. 

Untreated allergies make you more susceptible to this process.

What’s the Difference Between Allergy and Sinus Infection Symptoms?

Allergy and sinus infection symptoms are often similar and overlapping, making it difficult to tell the difference between the two. 

Symptoms that both conditions share may include:

• Runny nose
• Coughing
• Sore throat
• Nasal congestion 
• Postnasal drip 
• Headache 
• Fatigue

Other symptoms may help you identify the difference between the two conditions. For example, allergy symptoms not shared with sinus infections typically include:

• Sneezing
• Red or watery eyes
• Itchy nose, throat and eyes
• Thin, clear nasal discharge

Sinus infection symptoms not shared with allergies may include:

• Facial pain or pressure, including tenderness around the eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead
• Thick or discolored nasal drainage 
• Ear pressure or pain
• Pressure or pain in your teeth
• Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
• Problems with your sense of small
• Fever, in certain cases
• Toothaches 

A sinus infection can also cause dizziness, due to sinus pressure and inflammation that impacts the inner ear, which interferes with the inner ear’s balance system.

Should You Take Allergy Medicine for a Sinus Infection?

For a mild sinus infection caused by underlying allergies, allergy medicines can help. Antihistamines can alleviate sneezing, runny nose and itchy or watery eyes, while decongestants and nasal steroid sprays can help relieve swelling and congestion.

If you believe your symptoms are due to a sinus infection not caused by allergies, the best course of action may be to wait it out for a few days, though only if your symptoms are mild to moderate. 

Most sinus infections are caused by viruses and usually go away on their own within a week to 10 days. That said, you should still be careful to monitor your symptoms for signs of worsening infection.

If your symptoms are severe or don’t go away within a few days, schedule an appointment with us. We can determine the underlying cause and recommend the best course of treatment, which may include antibiotics if the infection is bacterial.

Can Managing Allergies Help Prevent Future Sinus Infections?

Keeping your allergies under control can help prevent future sinus infections by reducing nasal inflammation and swelling. This allows for proper sinus drainage so that mucus buildup, which is a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses, does not occur. 

Approaches for managing allergies include:

• Using allergy medications like antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids and saline nasal rinses
• Maintaining a clean home environment, free from allergens like dust and mold
• Avoiding known allergy triggers
• Staying hydrated 

You may want to consider allergy shots if your symptoms are severe, hard to control with allergy medicine, or if you can’t avoid allergens in your environment. 

If you experience frequent sinus infections related to allergies, we recommend scheduling an appointment with us for evaluation and personalized treatment.

What is Allergic Sinusitis?

As previously mentioned, a sinus infection caused by allergies is known as allergic sinusitis. Allergic sinusitis occurs when an allergic reaction triggers inflammation and swelling in the sinus passageways, which prevents mucus drainage and leads to an increased risk of infection.

While allergies can lead to a sinus infection, allergic sinusitis refers specifically to the inflammation of the sinus lining caused by triggering allergens like pollen, mold, or pet dander, interfering with normal mucus drainage. 

Need Relief for Allergy and Sinus Conditions? Our Board-Certified Internal Medicine Physicians in Cary Can Help

If allergies and sinus infections are negatively impacting your quality of life and you haven’t found relief with at-home remedies, we can help.

Whether your sinus infection is triggered by allergies or another cause, we’ll work closely with you to determine the underlying reason for your condition and tailor a treatment plan to provide long-lasting relief. 

We’d consider it a privilege to be your medical home. Just contact us to get started.