If you’re dealing with a stuffy nose, facial pressure, and a nagging headache, you might be wondering: is it a sinus infection or could it be seasonal allergies? These two conditions can feel very similar, especially during spring and fall when pollen levels are high and respiratory symptoms become more common. However, understanding the differences between sinus infections and allergies is key to getting the right treatment and finding relief faster. In this blog, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms, and key differences between sinus infections and seasonal allergies and help you determine when it’s time to visit urgent care.
For same-day symptom relief, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Aurora Havana. We provide on-site care for allergy and sinus symptoms 7 days a week with no appointment required. Just walk-in or pre-register your visit below!
What Causes Sinus Infections and Seasonal Allergies?
Though they affect the same general area (the sinuses), sinus infections and allergies have very different root causes.
- Seasonal allergies occur when your immune system reacts to environmental allergens like pollen, mold, or dust mites. This triggers inflammation in your nasal passages, which can cause congestion, sneezing, and itchy eyes.
- Sinus infections, or sinusitis, typically develop when the sinuses become blocked and infected– often following a cold, allergy flare-up, or other upper respiratory illness. Sinusitis can be viral or bacterial, and it leads to inflamed sinuses filled with mucus.
Both conditions can cause discomfort, but they require different approaches when it comes to treatment.
How To Tell The Difference
While symptoms may overlap, there are some important clues that can help you distinguish between a sinus infection and seasonal allergies.
Duration of Symptoms
- Allergies: Symptoms can last for weeks or months, often tied to seasonal changes. They may come and go based on pollen levels.
- Sinus Infection: Typically lasts 7 to 10 days. If symptoms improve and then worsen again, or persist longer than 10 days, it may be a bacterial infection.
Nasal Discharge
- Allergies: Clear, watery nasal discharge.
- Sinus Infection: Thick, yellow or green mucus.
Facial Pain or Pressure
- Allergies: Mild sinus pressure is possible, but not common.
- Sinus Infection: Prominent facial pain or pressure, especially around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead.
Other Symptoms
- Allergies: Sneezing, itchy eyes, postnasal drip, and throat clearing are more common. Fever is very rare.
- Sinus Infection: Headache, bad breath, fatigue and tooth pain may occur. Fever is possible, especially with bacterial sinusitis.
When To See an Urgent Care Provider
If you’re experiencing persistent sinus pressure, thick nasal discharge, or worsening symptoms after a cold, it may be time to visit urgent care. A provider can evaluate your symptoms and determine whether you’re dealing with a sinus infection or seasonal allergies. Urgent care centers can perform a physical exam, discuss your history, and in some cases, offer diagnostic testing. Your provider can prescribe antibiotics for bacterial sinus infections, recommend nasal sprays or antihistamines for allergies, and provide treatment to ease your symptoms– all in one visit.
Get Walk-In Testing and Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Aurora Havana
Telling the difference between a sinus infection and seasonal allergies can be difficult, especially when symptoms overlap. But understanding what’s causing your discomfort is the first step toward feeling better. Seasonal allergies are long-lasting and usually come with sneezing and itchy eyes, while sinus infections tend to be shorter but more intense, with thick mucus and facial pain. If you’re unsure, don’t guess. Visit us at AFC Urgent Care Aurora Havana for a prompt evaluation and treatment. Our facility accepts most health insurance plans and offers low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about the services we provide, please contact our team directly at (303) 343-6000.
