If you suffer from sinus headaches or allergies, it can be challenging to differentiate between them. Understanding the difference is essential to get the proper treatment for your symptoms.
Sinus Headaches vs. Allergic Rhinitis
Sinus headaches are caused by inflammation in your nasal and sinus passages caused by bacteria or viruses. You may experience facial pressure, a feeling of fullness around your eyes and nose, and headaches. Fatigue, cough, post-nasal drip, and sometimes a fever may also occur. These symptoms can continue for weeks and may become chronic or severe.
Allergic rhinitis is the inflammation of the nasal passages caused by allergens such as pollen or dust mites in the air. Symptoms can include sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, itching nose and throat, and congestion. You may also experience fatigue, but allergies won’t typically cause facial pressure or pain. Allergies may occur intermittently or can persist throughout the seasons.
A doctor can help you determine whether you suffer from sinus headaches or allergies by performing an allergy test. This will help identify the root cause of your discomfort and allow for more specific treatment options.
Signs You Should Seek Treatment
If you are experiencing frequent, persistent symptoms for more than a week, you should seek treatment from your primary care provider. They can determine what you are experiencing. Sinusitis treatment will include antibiotics and/or decongestants. Without proper treatment, sinusitis can lead to other infections or health complications, especially if you have COPD, asthma, or other chronic health conditions.
If you have allergic rhinitis, you will need to seek allergy care. At Allergy & Clinical Immunology Associates, our doctors can help you identify the root cause of your allergies and provide a comprehensive treatment plan to help manage your symptoms.
We can implement immunotherapy or allergy shots to help your immune system change how it reacts to allergens. This treatment involves gradually increasing the amount of allergen over several months to help decrease your sensitivity to the allergen, reducing your symptoms when you come into contact with your known allergy triggers.
Allergy and Asthma Care in Pittsburgh
By understanding the difference between sinus headache and allergic rhinitis, you can take steps to ensure proper treatment and symptom management for your condition.
Allergy & Clinical Immunology Associates, Pittsburgh’s top choice for allergy and asthma care, provides comprehensive evaluations and treatments for both conditions to get the relief you need. Contact us today to find out more about how we can help!