Category Archives: Nasal Conditions

Is It Allergies or a Sinus Infection? Key Differences Explained

Is it allergies or a sinus infection? Knowing how to tell the difference is essential for getting the right treatment—especially in a place like New York City where both conditions are common. Allergies and sinus infections (sinusitis) share similar symptoms such as nasal congestion, pressure, and headaches, but they have different causes and require different treatments.

This blog explains how to distinguish between the two and what to do if your symptoms persist or worsen.

Is It Allergies or a Sinus Infection

Understanding the Root Causes

  • Allergies: Allergic rhinitis is caused by an immune system overreaction to substances like pollen, pet dander, or dust mites. It’s a chronic condition that can flare up seasonally or year-round, depending on your triggers.
  • Sinus Infections: Sinusitis is usually caused by a virus, bacteria, or fungus infecting the sinus cavities. It can follow a cold or respiratory infection and may be acute (short-term) or chronic (lasting longer than 12 weeks).

While both conditions inflame the nasal passages, allergies are immune-based, while sinus infections are typically infectious.

Key Symptom Differences

Although the symptoms overlap, there are some telltale signs that can help you tell allergies from sinus infections:

  • Fever: Usually present with sinus infections, but not with allergies.
  • Discolored Nasal Mucus: Thick yellow or green mucus often points to infection. Clear mucus is more typical of allergies.
  • Itchy Eyes: Common with allergies, rare with sinus infections.
  • Facial Pain/Pressure: Can occur with both, but is usually more intense and localized in sinus infections.
  • Duration: Allergy symptoms may last for weeks or months. Acute sinus infections often resolve within 10–14 days, although chronic cases may linger.

If symptoms worsen over time or persist beyond 10 days with facial pressure and fever, it’s likely an infection.

Diagnosis: What to Expect at the Allergy Clinic

A board-certified allergist will conduct a thorough medical history and may recommend:

  • Skin Prick Testing: To identify allergens like mold, pollen, or dust mites.
  • Blood Tests (IgE): To confirm allergic responses.
  • CT Scan or Nasal Endoscopy: In cases of chronic sinus infections, imaging may be necessary to evaluate structural blockages or chronic inflammation.

Correct diagnosis is essential to avoid using antibiotics when they’re unnecessary or ineffective.

Treatment Options for Each Condition

Allergy Treatment Options:

  • Antihistamines and nasal corticosteroids to reduce symptoms.
  • Decongestants for temporary relief of nasal swelling.
  • Allergy immunotherapy (shots or drops) to desensitize the immune system over time.
  • Environmental controls like HEPA filters and allergen-proof bedding.

Sinus Infection Treatment Options:

  • Saline nasal rinses to flush out the sinuses.
  • Decongestants to promote sinus drainage.
  • Antibiotics (only if a bacterial infection is confirmed).
  • Steroid sprays to reduce inflammation in chronic cases.

Patients who suffer from recurring sinus infections may benefit from further evaluation to rule out allergies or structural issues.

When Allergies Lead to Sinus Infections

In some cases, untreated allergies can set the stage for sinus infections. Constant inflammation and mucus buildup create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. That’s why managing allergies can help prevent sinus problems altogether. Patients who treat their allergies often experience fewer sinus infections and a better quality of life.

Take the First Step Toward Relief

If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are caused by allergies or a sinus infection, don’t guess—get answers from a qualified expert. Schedule a comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Boyan Hadjiev today for personalized allergy and sinus care in NYC.

Allergy, Asthma and Sinusitis P.C
Boyan Hadjiev, MD
30 East 40th Street
Suite 1200
New York, NY 10016
212-319-5282

Best Allergist | Post-Nasal Drip

Do you have post-nasal drip? Our nose produces about one and a half liter of mucus a day. The glands in our nose and throat produce a normal, slimy, fluid substance. This is mucus.

To some, this may sound gross, but in fact, it plays a very important role for us. Mucus acts as a moisturizing layer moistening the sensitive nasal membrane. It helps fight off infections, trap, and destroys foreign particles like bacteria, dust, smoke and viruses, among many others. Not to mention, it helps filter out foreign matters and prevents bacteria and other particles from building up.

Post-Nasal Drip

When our body produces more mucus than normal levels, and in different consistency than normal, it becomes thick and more noticeable. Without even realizing it, you swallow excess mucus at least 2 to 3 times each minute. At other times, it simply drips down your throat; this phenomenon is post-nasal drip.

Best Allergist - Post-Nasal Drip
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To state it medically, Post-nasal drip is a condition in which a person suffers from mucus buildup and feels mucus constantly running down their throat from their nose. It is such a common condition that no one can claim to have never had it. Everyone gets a post-nasal drip at some point in their lives.

Causes of Post-Nasal Drip

Here are the most common causes for post-nasal drip:

  • Allergies
  • Sinus infection
  • Inflammation of sinuses (sinusitis)
  • Viral infection like cold or flu
  • Sudden change in your atmosphere or the weather like cold temperature and dry air
  • Pregnancy
  • Irritants like chronic smoking and intense alcohol intake
  • Spicy food

It can also happen as a side effect of certain prescription medications like blood pressure and birth control medicines. Sometimes, it is not the excessive mucus build-up that causes post-nasal drip but the inability of your throat to clear it.

Even though post-nasal drip is not a serious condition in itself, it could be a symptom of something else. That is why, if any one of the causes sounded familiar to you, you should consider booking an appointment with an otolaryngologist. Try to find out the root cause of your condition and educate yourself with its triggers in your case. This will aid you in taking precautionary steps and preventing yourself from letting it happen again.

Symptoms

If you are not sure about the cause but still suspect post nasal drip to be your condition, review the most common symptoms to be sure.

  • Constant urge to clear the throat, or swallow
  • Cough which is more intense during the night
  • Sore, scratchy and constantly itchy throat
  • Nauseous feeling form excessive mucus going in your stomach
  • Bad breath

Natural Treatments

Serious condition or not, it’s an irritating and very uncomfortable condition nonetheless. The good news is that post-nasal drip is treatable both in natural and medical ways. People who have a firm belief in home remedies usually opt for natural treatment while people who want quick results prefer medical treatments.

1.     Steam Inhaling

Post-Nasal Drip - Best Allergist NYC
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Inhaling steam can work wonders on your mucus membranes. You can do this by putting a towel over your head as you hover over a bowl of boiling water. You can also inhale the steam as you are enjoying a hot or warm cup of any drink like tea or even chicken soup.

2.     Hydration

This is probably the most crucial one. Keeping yourself hydrated works not only for post nasal drip but also for your overall body fluid balance. This helps in diluting or thinning out the mucus, making it easier to swallow.

3.     Avoid Smoking and Alcohol Intake

Alcohol causes dehydration and infection. Smoking, on the other hand, can badly irritate your nasal mucosa lining, leading to excess mucus production and intense coughing.

4.     Sleeping Habits

Sleeping with your pillow slightly elevated can also help prevent mucus collection and promote proper drainage.

5.     Salt Water Gargle

Gargling salt water can help in diluting thick mucus that is collected at the back of the throat and helps in killing the irritants that cause this.

When to Seek Medical Help?

If your symptoms continue even after 10 days of home treatment or if you are noticing unusually strong symptoms like mucus with a strong odor, wheezing, or a fever, it’s time to visit a doctor and get medicinal help.  Your body may be hinting towards bacterial infection.

Bottom Line

However annoying it may be, Postnasal drip is a benign condition and can be treated easily. But, if it’s accompanied by additional symptoms, an appointment to an allergy specialist may be due.

If you are concerned about a post nasal drip and/or additional symptoms, call today:

Boyan Hadjiev, MD
30 East 40th Street
Suite 1200
New York, NY 10016
212-319-5282

Serving all of New York City and the Tri State Area including Zip Codes: Top Allergist NYC Midtown, Chelsea and Clinton: 10001, 10011, 10018, 10019, 10020, 10036 | Gramercy Park and Murray Hill: 10010, 10016, 10017, 10022 | Greenwich Village and Soho: 10012, 10013, 10014 | Lower Manhattan: 10004, 10005, 10006, 10007, 10038, 10280 | Lower East Side: 10002, 10003, 10009 | Upper East Side: 10021, 10028, 10044, 10128 | Upper West Side: 10023, 10024, 10025

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