Quick answer
Allergy mainly causes sneezing, itching and a clear, watery discharge, and symptoms get worse in certain seasons or places. Sinusitis causes thick, coloured discharge, pressure and pain in the face and a reduced sense of smell. Long-standing allergy can pave the way for sinusitis, so the two can also occur together.
Symptoms of allergic rhinitis
- Repeated sneezing
- Itching in the nose, eyes and palate
- Clear, watery discharge
- Watery, red eyes
- Symptoms that worsen in pollen season or after contact with dust or animals
Symptoms of sinusitis
- Thick yellow-green discharge from the nose or down the throat
- Pressure and pain in the cheeks, forehead or around the eyes
- Headache that gets worse when bending forward
- Reduced smell and taste
- Sometimes fever and tiredness
When to see a doctor
- Symptoms last longer than 10 days or improve and then get worse again
- You get sinusitis several times a year
- Your nose is blocked all the time
- Swelling around the eyes, vision problems or a severe headache (urgent)
Treatment approach
For allergy, avoiding the trigger, steroid nasal sprays and antihistamines are the main treatment; allergy testing is done if needed. For sinusitis, nasal rinses and sprays are used, with antibiotics added when a bacterial infection is suspected. In frequent or chronic sinusitis, structural causes such as a deviated septum or polyps are investigated and surgery is discussed if needed.
Frequently asked questions
Can allergy turn into sinusitis?
Uncontrolled allergy causes swelling inside the nose that can block the sinus openings and make sinusitis more likely.
Is using nasal sprays for a long time harmful?
Steroid nasal sprays can be used long term on a doctor’s advice. Decongestant sprays should not be used for more than 5–7 days, or the blockage can get worse.
Do I need a CT scan for sinusitis?
Usually not for acute sinusitis. A CT is requested for chronic sinusitis, a suspected complication or when surgery is planned.
Does coloured discharge always need antibiotics?
No. Discharge can thicken with viral infections too. The decision on antibiotics depends on how long symptoms last and the examination.
The content on this site is for general information only. Diagnosis and treatment differ from person to person; please see a doctor about your symptoms.