Are Allergies And Allergic The Same Thing

Colds And Allergies Are The Main Risk Factors For Developing Sinusitis

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the nasal sinuses, commonly caused by bacterial infection following a viral infection such as the common cold. Other risk factors for developing sinusitis include untreated allergies, crooked nasal anatomy, smoking, nasal polyps and overuse of decongestant nasal sprays.

When To See Your Gp

Visit your GP if the symptoms of allergic rhinitis are disrupting your sleep, preventing you carrying out everyday activities, or adversely affecting your performance at work or school.

A diagnosis of allergic rhinitis will usually be based on your symptoms and any possible triggers you may have noticed. If the cause of your condition is uncertain, you may be referred for allergy testing.

Read more about the complications of allergic rhinitis

Main Differences Between Benadryl And Benadryl Allergy

Recommended Reading: What Can Cause Allergies In The Fall

What Kind Of Tests Does An Ent Do

ENTs employ a wide variety of tests in helping them determine the causes of a patients ear, nose, and throat discomfort. Visual, tactile examination and endoscopy all provide a baseline from which additional tests like laboratory analysis and imaging can confirm. Appropriate treatment is then provided for the given diagnosis.

Dont Miss: Urgent Care For Sinus Infection

How Is Allergic Rhinitis Diagnosed

If your symptoms interfere with your daily life, see your family doctor. Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and medical history and perform a physical exam. Keeping a record of your symptoms over a period of time can help your doctor determine what triggers your allergies.

Your doctor may want to do an allergy skin test to determine what you are allergic to. During an allergy skin test, tiny amounts of allergens are applied to your skin. You will feel tiny pricks to your skin. It is not painful. Your doctor will observe and record the way your skin reacts to each allergen.

Your doctor may also decide to do a blood test, such as the radioallergosorbent test . This test identifies antibodies in your blood that determine what youre allergic to. Once your allergens are identified, you and your doctor can decide the best treatment.

Recommended Reading: Can Your Tonsils Get Swollen From Allergies

Whats The Difference Between Allergies And A Sinus Infection

• Can I prevent the allergies that lead to a sinus?

Sinus infections plague 31 million Americans every year. More than 50 million have some type of allergy. The symptoms of both are similar, so it can be hard to know if youre sneezing and have a headache from an infection or an allergic response. How can you tell the difference between allergies and a sinus infection?

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America says that allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the U.S. today. Indoor and outdoor allergies cause sinus swelling, itching, runny nose, and a host of other symptoms caused from:

• Tree, grass, or weed pollen

An allergic response is triggered when your immune system overreacts to a foreign substance. It could be something youve consumed, touched, or just breathed in. Youll experience a scratchy throat, itchy eyes, coughing and sneezing, and, if the reaction is severe, asthma, rashes, low blood pressure, and even death. There is no cure for allergies but they can be treated by your doctor.

Rhinosinusitis , or a sinus infection, happens when your sinuses become swollen, inflamed, and infected. A virus is the usual culprit, although bacteria or fungus can sometimes be the cause. However, common allergies can even lead to a sinus infection.

Both illnesses can make you feel awful, but they arent the same thing, and shouldnt be treated in the same way.

What Is The Best Bedding For Allergy Sufferers

The Best Hypoallergenic Bedding on Amazon to Get You Through Allergy Season and Beyond

• Mellanni Bed Sheet Set.
• Coop Home Goods Hypoallergenic Memory Foam Pillow.
• SafeRest Hypoallergenic Waterproof Mattress Protector.
• Linenspa Reversible Down Alternative Quilted Comforter.
• Hanna Kay Hypoallergenic Quilted Mattress Pad.

Recommended Reading: Can You Take Over The Counter Allergy Medicine While Pregnant

Can I Prevent The Allergies That Lead To A Sinus Infection

While you cant fully prevent allergies, you may be able to avoid what is causing the allergic reaction. For example, if you have seasonal allergies and the pollen count is high, stay indoors and keep the windows shut and air conditioning on. Knowing what causes the allergic response, and then mapping out a strategy of medications and avoidance techniques is something that your doctor can help you with.

However, prevention is possible with sinus infections caused by bacteria or viruses. Its always a good idea to get plenty of rest and exercise regularly to keep your immune system functioning. Some of the other preventative techniques to head off a sinus infection are similar to what youd do to stave off colds and flu, including staying hydrated and taking vitamin C to boost your immunity. Frequent handwashing was always important well before the COVID-19 pandemic reminded us to improve our hygiene. You should also avoid nasal irritants like smoke or other pollution. Keeping the nose hydrated with a saline spray will help the sinuses work more effectively.

Despite your best efforts, if you are experiencing the symptoms of a sinus infection, its important to see your doctor to diagnose whats going on and help you get better fast.

The Difference Between Allergen And Allergy

Have you ever been confused about the difference between the words allergen and allergy? Are they correlated? Sure they are but by no means do they mean the same thing.

An Allergen is medically defined as any substance, often some kind of protein that triggers an allergic reaction in a being who is sensitive to it or any substance capable of inducing an allergy.According WebMD an allergy is a reaction by your immune system to something foreign infiltrating the body. Your allergy is actually the bodys attempt to expel something that does not belong in the body. This overreaction to the foreign substance is manifested by the release of histamine. The histamine is an organic compound involved in immune and inflammatory responses causing everything from sneezing, runny nose, swelling, nausea, skin rash to anaphylaxis and other severe reactions.Allergens and allergy have a cause and effect relationship. As a result of one the other is initiated. Because of an allergen your body responds by triggering an allergy to rid your body of the allergen or neutralize it.The Types of Allergens, symptoms and treatmentsTop 10 Airborne allergensFeathersOther dander and organic fibersHealth experts have estimated that more than 35 million Americans suffer from upper respiratory symptoms associated with allergic reactions. Airborne allergens are also referred to as aeroallergen.

Airborne Allergens: CockroachesScientific Name: Periplaneta Americana

Don’t Miss: When Is Allergy Season Los Angeles

The Role Of Allergens

Things you are allergic to can cause all sorts of reactions in your body, but the primary reaction is inflammatory. Arizona allergies can be particularly nasty especially in combination with our dry air. Your bodys inflammatory response can result in mucus deposits becoming stagnant and promoting bacterial or viral growth inside your sinuses. This can cause many issues for you if it goes untreated.

Its important to know whether you have allergies or not and specifically what you are allergic to. This is where allergy testing plays an important role. Knowing what youre allergic to will help you find the right medicine , and can also help you avoid irritants in the future. Discovering the specific allergens or dander that causes you trouble plays a pivotal role in treating and preventing further sinus damage and irritation.

Key Difference Sinus Vs Allergies

The exaggerated and inappropriate immune responses that result in tissue damage and death are called the allergies. On the other hand, sinuses are air filled spaces present within some bones around the nasal cavity. From these definitions, you can understand that there is no similarity between these two at all. The key difference between sinus and allergies is that a sinus is an anatomical structure whereas an allergy is a physiological derangement. But in a pathological perspective, they are interconnected because an allergy is capable of inflaming the sinuses causing sinusitis.

You May Like: Can Allergies Cause Yellow Eye Discharge

What Is A Cold

Although allergies share many of the same symptoms as colds, colds are different. Cold symptoms occur when a virus gets into your body and your immune system attacks it. This can cause some of the same symptoms such as sneezing and nasal congestion, also seen with allergies.

But there are some key differences. Germs that cause colds are contagious. You can become infected when someone with cold symptoms sneezes, coughs, or touches you.

Luckily, cold symptoms tend to disappear in 7 to 10 days. If cold symptoms last longer than 2 weeks, consider contacting your doctor.

What Are The Symptoms And Signs Of Sinus Infections And Allergies

Sinus infection

There are many signs and symptoms of sinusitis and sinus infections. The following is a summary of predominant ones that may occur. Most patients have several signs and symptoms at the same time. Others may have some symptoms that are intermittent most do not have all symptoms at once. The signs and symptoms of a sinus infection or sinusitis include the following:

Allergies

Allergic rhinitis is the correct term used to describe the allergic inflammation of the nasal passages. Rhinitis means inflammation of the nose and is a derivative of rhino, meaning nose. Allergic rhinitis that occurs during a specific season is called seasonal allergic rhinitis. When it occurs throughout the year, it is called perennial allergic rhinitis. Rhinosinusitis is the medical term that refers to inflammation of the nasal lining as well as the lining tissues of the sinuses. This term is sometimes used because the two conditions frequently occur together.

Symptoms of allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, frequently include

• nose, eye itching, and
• excess tear production in the eyes.

Many people with allergies have difficulty with social and physical activities. For example, concentration is often difficult while experiencing allergic rhinitis symptoms.

Read Also: Is Claritin Good For Sinus Infection

Recommended Reading: Can Allergies Make You Feel Bad

Rhinitis Vs Sinusitis Symptoms And Attributes

Where most people get tied up understanding the difference between rhinitis and sinusitis is when they think about the symptoms. To help clarify this issue, here is a side-by-side comparison of rhinitis vs. sinusitis symptoms and other important attributes.

For more information on what to watch out for if you suspect you have a sinus infection, check out our article on Sinus Infection Symptoms.

Read Also: Cold Medicine For Sinus Drainage

How Can An Ent Help With My Allergies Or Sinus Infection

An ENT specialist, or otolaryngologist, has special training in the diagnosis and treatment protocols for a variety of disorders of the head, neck and face. From simple sinusitis and allergies to surgical correction of physical deformities of the sinuses, voice disorders, or problems with the thyroidto name just a few of the conditions your otolaryngologist is trained to treat.

Allergies are a common problem, and, when they are chronic, they can lead to debilitating symptoms. An ENTs goal is to work on the allergies, get the symptoms under control, decrease the frequency of the flare ups, and get you feeling better.

If you experience any of these symptoms that last more than 10 days, its more than time to see your doctor:

• Balance or dizziness issues
• Hearing loss or stuffy ears
• Hoarseness or other voice issues
• Pain in your ears, face, or teeth
• Persistent sore throat
• Recurring adenoid, ear, or tonsil infections
• Tinnitus or ringing in the ears
• Trouble swallowing

Also Check: Will Prednisone Help With Allergies

How Is Chronic Sinusitis Diagnosed

Chronic sinusitis is diagnosed when symptoms of a sinus infection have continued for more than 12 weeks. In some cases, your doctor may use an endoscope .

A CT scan or MRI could also be used to look for structural issues. Structural problems usually include a deviated nasal septum or polyps .

In very few cases, your provider might order a biopsy to see if the infection has spread. Biopsies involve taking tissue or bone samples to example under the microscope.

You May Like: Best Otc For Sinus And Chest Congestion

What Are The Most Common Anaphylaxis Triggers

Common anaphylaxis triggers include:

• foods including nuts, milk, fish, shellfish, eggs and some fruits.
• medicines including some antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin.
• insect stings particularly wasp and bee stings.
• general anaesthetic.

You May Like: How To Avoid Allergies In Spring

How To Treat Rhinitis

There is no cure for rhinitis. Managing symptoms and avoiding triggers is the best way to keep rhinitis under control. Figuring out what triggers your rhinitis and avoiding them is the first step. They may include:

• smoke from tobacco or wood fires
• perfumes, hair spray, or other strong scents
• scented cleaning agents

If avoidance isnt enough and symptoms arise, you can manage them with:

• over-the-counter and prescription medication
• nasal irrigation
• nasal sprays, either OTC or prescription
• correction of nasal polyps or deviated septum to improve breathing

Lifestyle management strategies include:

• keep windows and doors closed to keep pollen out
• limit outdoor activities when pollen levels are high usually in the morning through late afternoon if you must go outside, consider wearing a face mask
• clean or replace the filters in your home once a month, especially during your allergy season
• change clothes and remove shoes immediately after being outside to prevent pollen from spreading indoors
• bathe before going to bed to remove pollen from your body be sure to wash your hair

IMPORTANT NOTE: Decongestants are not meant for long-term use. They may worsen congestion if used longer than 3-5 days. Talk with your doctor before using these medications.

Similar Symptoms Different Causes

To understand the difference between a cold and allergies, it is important to know that some cold symptoms are actually the same as some allergy symptoms. Plus, everyone experiences colds and allergies a little differently. Its no wonder why it can be challenging to figure out exactly whats going on.

Don’t Miss: How Do You Get Rid Of Allergies

When To Contact An Allergist Vs Ent

Its common for people with allergy symptoms to go directly to an ear, nose, and throat doctor for treatment. ENT doctors are surgeons who are experts in resolving structural problems involving the head, face, sinuses, nose, throat and voice box. Allergist/immunologists are expert physicians who manage inflammatory conditions of the nose, sinuses, ears, throat and lungs without surgery. Symptoms such as trouble breathing, sinus pressure, episodic ear discomfort, or a raspy voice can be caused by allergies and may not require surgery.

If youre wondering whether your symptoms require visiting an Allergist or ENT doctor, continue reading to help decide the right course of action for you.

Also Check: Saline Nasal Spray For Sinus Infection

Benadryl Vs Benadryl Allergy

The main difference between Benadryl and Benadryl allergy is that of their parent company. While Benadryl belongs to Johnson and Johnson, Benadryl allergy belongs to McNeil Consumer Healthcare.

Benadryl is a prescribed drug. It is an antihistamine sold over the counter underneath the branded product Benadryl.

Its being used to cure seasonal allergies, other allergens, nasal congestion, and skin irritation caused by insect bites, rashes, and other factors. It is routinely used as a first-line treatment for hives.

Benadryl Allergy is a Benadryl medication available in the United States and Canada. It is an antihistamine medication used to treat allergies. Diphenhydramine, a first-generation antihistamine, is its active component.

Diphenhydramine, a histamine blocker, is included in Benadryl Allergy. This medication cures the following symptoms: nasal congestion, coughing, itchy, eye irritation, and itchy throat.

You May Like: What Do Pollen Allergies Feel Like

What Is Seasonal Rhinitis

Seasonal rhinitis is the specific term for allergic rhinitis caused by pollen from allergens. These include: trees weeds mold spores

With seasonal rhinitis, symptoms occur mainly during spring and fall, when outdoor allergens are more common. Seasonal rhinitis varies according to where you live and the specific plants that trigger your allergies.

Trees, grasses and weeds release pollen at various times of the year. Tree pollens bloom in early spring, grass pollens arrives in late spring and ragweed pollen arrives in late summer and early fall.

Complications Of Allergic Rhinitis

If you have allergic rhinitis, theres a risk you could develop further problems.

A blocked or runny nose can result in difficulty sleeping, drowsiness during the daytime, irritability and problems concentrating. Allergic rhinitis can also make symptoms of asthma worse.

The inflammation associated with allergic rhinitis can also sometimes lead to other conditions, such as nasal polyps, sinusitis and middle ear infections. These are described below.

Read Also: Can Allergies Make You Lose Your Sense Of Smell