Does it seem like almost everybody these days is walking around with a wad of tissues, sneezing, and with a runny or stuffy nose? More than 35 million Americans suffer with seasonal allergies, which blossom when spring arrives. At the same time, 37 million Americans suffer from sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses), resulting in nearly 12 million doctor visits.
The symptoms of these two conditions are similar, but there are real differences between allergies and bacterial sinus infections. One rule of thumb is that allergy symptoms tend to disappear when youre away from the source. In other words, when you're no longer near the grass or flowers that trigger your symptoms (like sneezing and itchy eyes) you feel better. But the symptoms of bacterial sinusitis continue no matter where you are.
However, people suffering from allergies may also be predisposed sinusitis, which usually occurs because of lingering colds. In a survey endorsed by the American Academy of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) and sponsored by Bayer Aspirin, patients reported that 39 percent of their sinus infections began as simple allergies. As with colds, irritation from allergies can cause sinuses to become inflamed and filled with mucus, resulting in blockage of vital nasal drainage, and leading to a bacterial infection.
