Site icon Content Media Solution

Winter Allergies or Sinus Infection? Here’s How to Identify and Treat Both

Winter Allergies vs. Sinus Infections: Symptoms, Differences, and Treatment Solutions By- Dr. Vijay Verma, Consultant – Allergy & ENT Specialist, CK Birla Hospital Gurugram

Winter can be a very challenging season for many, as cold weather is often accompanied by sneezing, a runny nose, and congestion. However, how do you differentiate between winter allergies and a sinus infection? While both conditions may seem to present similarly, they are caused by different factors and therefore require different treatments.

Winter Allergies

Allergies occur when your body’s immune system reacts to non-harmful things, such as dust, pollen, mold, or pet dander. During winter, people spend more time indoors. This increases exposure to allergens found indoors, which include dust mites, mold, and pet hair.

Symptoms of winter allergies:

Sinus infection

Sinus infection, sinusitis is the medical term referring to an inflammation of your sinuses, which are air-filled spaces in your face. Infection, either bacterial or viral, usually causes the infection. It may arise as a result of cold or flu.

Sinusitis symptoms

Symptoms are usually transient, lasting from 10 days to a few weeks and resolving with time or treatment.

Key Differences Between Winter Allergies and Sinus Infections

1. Duration: Allergies last as long as you continue to be exposed to the allergen. For example, sinus infections can last up to several weeks but eventually disappear on their own.

2. Colour of Mucus: While a runny nose due to allergies results in thin clear mucus, a sinus infection will typically yield thick yellow or green mucus.

3. Itching eyes and a nose usually indicate allergy symptoms, rather than being characteristics of sinus infections.

4. Fever: A fever is more common with sinus infections but rare with allergies.

Treatment for Winter Allergies

Sinus Infection Treatment

If you are not sure that it is an allergy or a sinus infection, consult a doctor. Seek medical help immediately if you have high fever, severe facial pain, or symptoms that last more than two weeks.

Knowing the difference between winter allergies and sinus infections will help you handle your symptoms properly and recover right away. Stay warm, healthy, and breathe easily this winter!

Exit mobile version