ALLERGIC RHINITIS VS SINUSITIS
Sinusitis and allergic rhinitis (hay fever) can share symptoms, but often have different causes1
Understanding the differences between sinusitis and allergic rhinitis (hay fever) is important because it can help you find the correct relief method if you are experiencing either of their symptoms. 1
What is the Difference Between Allergic Rhinitis and Sinusitis?
Allergic rhinitis – or hay fever – is caused by immune responses triggered by exposure to allergens, like pollen, dust, or animal dander. 1
Sinusitis – or sinus infection – occurs when your nasal passages become infected, usually as the result of a virus. 1
The infection can cause nasal passage
blockage, mucus build up, pain around your cheeks and eyes, discoloured mucus, and bad breath. 1
One method of trying to tell the two apart is to do a symptom check, as some symptoms are more likely to occur when you have a sinus infection vs when you
have an allergy and vice versa: 1
| SYMPTOM | SINUSITIS | ALLERGY | |||||||
 |
Headache | Usually | Usually | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Nasal congestion | Usually | Usually | ||||||
 |
Pain around cheeks/eyes | Usually | Never | ||||||
 |
Itchy or watery eyes | Never | Usually | ||||||
 |
Sneezing | Never | Usually | ||||||
 |
Thick, yellow or green mucus |
Usually | Never | ||||||
 |
Difficulty breathing through your nose. |
Usually | Usually | ||||||
 |
Unable to blow your nose | Usually | Never | ||||||
 |
Tooth pain | Usually | Never | ||||||
 |
Fever | Usually | Never | ||||||
 |
Bad breath | Usually | Never | ||||||
How Can You Manage Allergies?
Good allergy management is based on your medical history, how severe your symptoms are, and the results of any allergy tests you may have had.2
Use our allergy broadcast to gain control over your allergies
Learn about antihistamines and how they can be used to help you
gain control over your allergies.