Stuffy nose? Check. Headache? Check. Trouble breathing? Double check. You’ve been suffering with sinus symptoms, but is it allergies or a sinus infection? Read on to learn about how to identify the signs and symptoms of the two very different conditions.

What Are Allergies?
Allergies happen when your immune system reacts to a substance it finds harmful like plant pollen, animal hair, or dust. Your body releases a chemical called histamine to fight against the substance and this is what causes your allergy symptoms. If your allergies are severe enough, you might develop something called allergic rhinitis that feels a lot like a head cold. The distinguishing symptom of allergic rhinitis is watery, itchy eyes.

What is a Sinus Infection?
If your nasal passages become inflamed or infected, this results in a sinus infection. Sinus infections, or sinusitis, is usually caused by contracting a virus. The nasal inflammation causes mucus to build up in your nasal passages, causing the troublesome symptoms of a sinus infection that can affect more than just your nose.

Allergies vs. Sinus Infection Symptom Comparison
Whilst some of the common symptoms of allergies and sinus infection can be similar, the two conditions have other unique symptoms that make it easier to figure out which one you have.

Allergies

• Headache
• Nasal Congestion
• Sneezing
• Itchy, watery eyes 

Sinus Infection

• Headache
• Nasal Congestion
• Pain around cheeks, nose, and eyes
• Tooth Pain
• Fever
• Bad Breath
• Mucus or thick yellow or green discharge

Treatment and Prevention
Sinus infections can be treated by meds like antibiotics, but you can ease the symptoms by taking over the counter medications, drinking fluids, and getting rest. The best way to prevent a sinus infection is to practice good hygiene practices like washing your hands and using hand sanitiser. You can also take things like vitamin C supplements to boost your immune system.

Allergies can be treated with allergy medications. The type of medication you’ll need will depend on the type of allergic reaction you’re having. Allergies aren’t preventable, but if you know you are allergic to something it is best to avoid contact with it as much as possible.

The nasal congestion caused by sinus infections and allergies can both be treated with decongestants and nasal sprays.

You can buy allergy medications like Rhinocort Nasal Spray and an Epipen Auto-Injector online in the UK with Pharmacy Planet. https://www.pharmacyplanet.com/