Stuffy nose, facial pressure, and a relentless headache; sound familiar? If you’re battling these symptoms, you might be asking yourself: is this a sinus infection, or just seasonal allergies acting up? The overlap of symptoms can be confusing, especially in the transitional seasons of spring and fall when pollen counts soar and respiratory issues spike. But knowing the difference between the two isn’t just helpful; it’s essential for choosing the right treatment and getting relief fast.  

Enjoying the changing of seasons by picking out the perfect pumpkin in fall at the Knoxville Botanical Gardens Fall Festival or the best flowers for a new flower bed in the spring at Stanley’s Greenhouse can be a great way to spend a weekend, but when outdoors during these changes in season pollen can put a dampener on your plans. Whether continuous coughing and/or sneezing, facial pressure and soreness, or a stuffy nose, sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference between simple allergies or a sinus infection. This blog post will help you identify the signs and symptoms, how to tell the difference between seasonal allergies and sinus infection, and learn about effective treatments. As well as help you decide when it’s time to skip the guesswork and head to urgent care. 

What Causes Seasonal Allergies and Sinus Infections? 

Seasonal allergies, also called Hay Fever or Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis, are immune reactions to environmental allergens such as pollen or spores. This reaction usually occurs only during certain times of the year when the allergen is most prevalent. Symptoms can include sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, and coughing.  A sinus infection, medically known as Sinusitis or Rhinosinusitis, is caused by an inflammation of the sinuses from a viral or bacterial infection or an allergen. Symptoms for a sinus infection can include facial pain/pressure, headache, sore throat, cough, fever, even fatigue or dizziness.  

Visit AFC Urgent Care of Chapman Highway today. 

Common Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies 

• Sneezing 
• Runny Nose 
• Nasal Congestion 
• Itchy Eyes 
• Coughing 

Common Symptoms of Sinus Infections 

• Facial Pain/Pressure (especially associated with the teeth and nose areas)
• Headache 
• Sore Throat 
• Cough 
• Fever 
• Fatigue 
• Dizziness 
• Loss of Taste and/or Smell 

If you notice any of these symptoms of seasonal allergies or sinus infection, you can contact AFC and book an appointment for expert treatment and care.   

How to Tell the Difference 

While symptoms may overlap, there are some important clues that can help you distinguish between seasonal allergies and sinus infection. 

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 – Noticeable facial pain or pressure, especially around the eyes, cheeks, forehead, and teeth. 

Treatment: 

Over-the-counter Medications: 

Medications such as antihistamines, medicated nasal sprays, mucolytics, and decongestants. Long-term treatments such as allergy immunotherapy through shots or tablets may help to relieve your symptoms and keep them at bay. 

Other Therapies: 

Other ways to combat the symptoms of allergies or a sinus infection could include nasal rinses (this flushes out allergens and soothes irritated nasal passages), air purifiers (can remove pollen and other allergens from the air), and herbal remedies (using eucalyptus, menthol, and camphor products can relieve cough and nasal congestion).  

Prevention: 

Some of the best ways to avoid seasonal allergies or a sinus infection is to stay indoors during peak pollen hours (usually early mornings or late afternoons), closing windows and doors and using an air purifier to keep air inside your home free of allergens, and wear a mask if you must be outdoors when pollen counts are high. However, integrating these strategies into your daily life isn’t always easy, especially if you are wanting to enjoy the change of season by visiting the UT Gardens or other parks in the area and they are not foolproof ways to stay healthy. 

If you are experiencing coughing, sneezing, sinus pressure and pain, sore throat, itchy watery eyes; you may be suffering from seasonal allergies or a sinus infection. Understanding the signs and symptoms, as well as seeking prompt treatment, can help you manage the condition effectively. If you are unsure if you have seasonal allergies or a sinus infection, visit our local urgent care center for a professional diagnosis and appropriate treatment.