Sinus Infection vs. Allergies: How to Tell the Difference

On Health with Houston Methodist

Sinus problems are the bane of many people's existence, all that congestion and discharge, difficulty breathing, post-nasal drip, coughing, pressure. But is the issue an infection or allergies? It can be a tricky question, even for doctors, who see about 30 million people annually for sinus infections and more than 80 million annually for allergies. So what are the key distinguishing symptoms? Why is it sometimes so hard to tell the difference? And is there any overlap in the treatments? In this week's episode, we attempt to unlock the mystery of the two most common sinus ailments.

Expert: Dr. Mas Takashima, Otolaryngologist

Interviewer: Todd Ackerman

Notable topics covered:

• The tools sinus specialists use when severe allergies mimic symptoms of infections
• Is there a difference in the body's response to sinus infections and allergens?
• The study that found many chronic allergy sufferers' real issue was an infection
• Viral, bacterial, fungal — which sinus infection type is the most concerning?
• How to know if the antibiotic killed the infection when it's allergy season and you're still having symptoms
• Stricken with a viral sinus infection? Beware follow-up bacterial infection months later
• Do food allergies affect sinuses?
• How long is too long to have mysterious nasal symptoms?
• Distinguishing between long Covid and allergies or other infections

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