Winter is known for sniffly noses. While this is sometimes associated with the common cold or other viruses, it can also come from an allergic reaction or sinus issues. Let’s talk more about these two options and how to tell them apart.
What Is Allergic Rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis is the term for allergic reactions that occur specifically in the nose and nasal passages after inhaling an allergen, rather than after touching or swallowing it. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis include a runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, postnasal drip and, in extreme cases, difficulty breathing. This condition is very common in the United States, with an estimated 20% of the population experiencing allergic rhinitis.
Allergies in the Winter
Allergic rhinitis is commonly associated with the warmer spring and summer months, triggered by pollen from grasses and flowers. However, allergic rhinitis can still occur in the colder winter months. Common allergy triggers in the winter months include mold spores, pet dander, dust and dust mites.
What Causes Sinus Symptoms?
Sinus issues occur when your nasal passages become blocked and cannot drain mucus properly, usually due to inflammation and irritation. There are many possible causes for this, from infection to structural issues in the nose to even allergies.
When the nasal passages are blocked, mucus pools up in the four paranasal sinuses, chambers behind the nose and face that are typically filled with air. When mucus builds up in these chambers, it causes the “stuffed-up” feeling of congestion and pressure in the nose.
The Effect of Winter Weather
Winter air is cold and dry, and breathing in that cold, dry air will dehydrate the skin inside your nose and the mucus that lines it. As a result, the tissues in the nasal passages become swollen and inflamed, causing the mucus to pool up as discussed.
How to Tell Allergic Rhinitis and Sinus Issues Apart
Both allergic rhinitis and sinus issues will be felt in the nose, but there are a few key differences that can help you tell them apart:
- Itchy eyes. Red, itchy eyes are associated with allergic rhinitis, but won’t occur with sinus issues.
- Sneezing. Like itchiness, sneezing is a symptom of allergic rhinitis, but not sinus issues.
- Pressure behind the nose. If it feels like there’s a balloon behind the bridge of your nose expanding outward, that’s congestion and sinus issues. This kind of sinus pressure doesn’t occur with allergies. This pressure can worsen into a sinus headache.
- Mucus. With allergic rhinitis, your mucus is likely to be watery and clear. Sinus issues, especially chronic sinus issues, will cause mucus to be thick in texture and yellow or green in color.
- How suddenly symptoms occurred. If all your nasal symptoms came on at the same time and quite suddenly, it’s probably allergic rhinitis, as the reaction begins upon contact with the allergen.
- How long symptoms last. Allergic rhinitis will last as long as the allergen is in your system; once it’s flushed out, or once you’re no longer exposed to any triggers, the reaction will clear up. Sinus issues, on the other hand, can last days or even weeks.
When It’s Time to Consider a Longer-Term Plan
Over-the-counter medications can help with both allergic rhinitis and sinus issues, but if these conditions are causing you ongoing discomfort and impeding your daily life, it may be time to consult an ENT specialist for long-term care. Our specialized team at Albany ENT & Allergy Services can help determine which of these maladies is plaguing you and how best to treat it. Call today to make an appointment.