Jeremy Reed, M.D., M.P.H.
Otolaryngology, UPMC

Winter is the prime season for colds, seasonal viruses, and sinus infections, but few people consider that their stuffy head, sneezing, or runny nose could be allergies. Given how similar their symptoms are, it’s not easy to tell the difference between these illnesses or how to treat them.

While these illnesses may look the same to you, different things cause each of these illnesses. Here’s how you can tell them apart.

Common Cold

According to the CDC, each year adults get one cold on average. Children get two colds on average. You can get a cold when a respiratory virus attacks your immune system. Respiratory viruses spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Several types of respiratory viruses cause colds, with Rhinoviruses being one of the most common. Fever is often a symptom of colds and viral infections that are not associated with allergies. Colds can be treated at home with rest, hydration, and taking over-the-counter medications for symptom management. Most colds subside within seven days.

Sinus Infection

Also known as sinusitis, sinus infections are when the membranes inside your sinuses (the cavities in your skull) get inflamed and swollen. The inflammation causes symptoms similar to a cold with the addition of pain and pressure in the face. Infections can last a couple of weeks. If the infection is caused by bacteria, a course of antibiotics may clear it up. Your doctor can also prescribe stronger decongestants or nasal sprays to help you find relief. Steam, warm compresses, and over-the-counter medications can also often help with managing symptoms. Chronic sinusitis, which is an infection that lasts for 12 weeks or more, requires more intense treatment. You may need multiple rounds of antibiotics or, in rare cases, surgery.

Seasonal Allergies

More than one out of four U.S. adults and children have at least one allergy, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Seasonal allergies are the most common type of allergy, and it’s not just the typical spring allergies associated with the outdoors. Allergies are when your body’s immune system considers certain substances a threat and overreacts to them. Allergic rhinitis is the medical term for nasal symptoms caused by allergies, and some people are affected year-round which is called perennial allergic rhinitis. It’s often a reaction to indoor allergens, including cockroaches, dust mites, and pet dander. The best way to prevent your allergy symptoms is to limit your exposure to them as much as possible. However, avoiding them entirely is unlikely. Indoor allergy treatments depend on your specific symptoms. They can include prescription and over-the-counter medicines such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, decongestants, nasal sprays, eye drops, and pills, and in some cases immunotherapy treatments.

When to Seek Care

No matter what may be causing them, when you feel symptoms coming on, it’s best to begin with at-home treatment right away. If your symptoms do not respond to home remedies and over-the-counter medications, talk to your doctor.

It is possible to have a seasonal virus, a common cold, or a sinus infection at the same time as seasonal allergies. If you have a fever or any non-allergy symptoms (like a headache, vomiting, or chills), you may have an infection.

If you have seasonal allergy symptoms, no infection symptoms, and your symptoms last longer than a couple of weeks, your doctor may refer you to an ENT or allergist. These are doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating illnesses of the ear, nose, and throat.

The specialist can test to see if you have allergies — and if so, what you’re allergic to – as well as determine what may be causing your recurring symptoms. In cases of chronic sinusitis, surgery can help open the nasal cavities so the sinuses can drain better. The goal is to help prevent recurring, severe sinus infections in the future.

Most people don’t need surgery, but it may be recommended if you have repeated infections, have followed multiple courses of treatment with no improvement, or if you have a polyp in your nose that blocks your sinuses from draining.

Jeremy Reed, MD, MPH, is with UPMC Otolaryngology and sees patients at UPMC Cole, 1001 E. 2nd St., Coudersport, and UPMC Wellsboro, 15 Meade St., Suite U3, Wellsboro. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Reed in Coudersport or Wellsboro, call 814-274-5243. For more information, visit UPMC.com/ENTNCPA.