Allergic sinusitis symptoms generally vary with the season and may include: Nasal congestion (sneezing, runny nose) and post nasal drip that persists for more then two weeks. Itchy eyes, nose and throat.
Over-the-counter antihistamines help reduce sneezing and other allergy symptoms. Use nasal sprays. Nasal sprays that contain decongestants or antihistamines can help relieve nasal congestion and reduce sneezing. Take a hot shower.
Allergic rhinitis typically causes cold-like symptoms, such as sneezing, itchiness and a blocked or runny nose. These symptoms usually start soon after being exposed to an allergen.
Sinusitis shares many symptoms with the common cold. This can include coughing, sneezing, headache, postnasal drip, toothache, and bad breath.
If you have persistent facial pain, pressure or tenderness, you may have a sinus infection. What color is your discharge? If you have clear mucous, you probably have a cold. If you have yellow or green mucous, it's probably a sinus infection.
If you do notice you sneeze more frequently, you may have an allergy that you are unaware of or inflammation of the nasal cavity called chronic rhinitis. It doesn't hurt to talk to your doctor about your sneezing habits if you think they are abnormal.
An “acute” sinus infection lasts anywhere from ten days up to eight weeks. A “chronic” infection lasts even longer. It is ongoing — it may seem like it's improving, and then it comes right back as bad as it was at first. Chronic sinus infections may drag on for months at a time.
Antibiotics are not needed for many sinus infections. Most sinus infections usually get better on their own without antibiotics. When antibiotics aren't needed, they won't help you, and their side effects could still cause harm. Side effects can range from mild reactions, like a rash, to more serious health problems.
Are sinus infections contagious? “Because many times sinus infections are caused by viruses, they can be contagious like other infections, such as colds,” Melinda said. “If you have a sinus infection, it's important to use good hygiene skills.
Avoid dairy if you have had previous episodes of sinus infections. Also, try to avoid refined sugar as it is pro-inflammatory and increases the production of mucus. Other foods to avoid include tomatoes (contain histamines), chocolate, cheese, gluten, and fruits like bananas, which can cause congestion.
Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, happens when you breathe in something to which you are allergic, and the inside of your nose becomes inflamed and swollen. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the lining inside the sinuses which can be acute or chronic.
As your body works hard to fight off the sinus infection, you'll feel more tired than usual. Fatigue can be also be caused by head pain, a lack of adequate sleep, and difficulty breathing due to sinusitis.
Those suffering from a sinus infection should stay cautious around others for at least three days after the last symptoms have subsided.
Nonallergic rhinitis involves sneezing or a stuffy, drippy nose. It can be a long-term problem, and it has no clear cause. The symptoms are like those of hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis.
There is a little-known condition called photic sneeze reflex, or autosomal compelling helio-ophthalmic outburst (ACHOO) syndrome.
For adults — See a health care provider if:
You have symptoms for more than 10 days. You have a high fever. What's coming from your nose is yellow or green. You also have sinus pain or fever.
When you have a sinus infection, your snot typically becomes a thick, green color. This is because mucus acts as a trap for allergens, bacteria, and viruses that carries these foreign invaders outside of your body. These waste products, along with dead white blood cells, account for the greenish color of your snot.
The main symptoms of sinusitis are pain and a feeling of pressure in your face. You may also get a blocked or stuffy nose, green or yellow mucus coming from your nose, a raised temperature, a cough and a general feeling of being unwell.