Fall Allergies or Sinus Infection? How to Tell the Difference

Fall is a beautiful season, but for many people it also brings sneezing, congestion, and headaches. The tricky part? Fall allergies and sinus infections share many overlapping symptoms, which can make it hard to know what’s really causing your discomfort.

Here’s what you should know to spot the difference and when to see an ENT specialist for help.

What Causes Fall Allergies?

In the fall, allergens like ragweed pollen, mold spores, and dust mites are especially active. These triggers can inflame your nasal passages, leading to weeks or even months of congestion, runny nose, and sneezing.

Common allergy symptoms:

• Clear, watery nasal discharge

• Sneezing and nasal congestion

• Itchy eyes, nose, or throat

• Fatigue or brain fog

• Symptoms that persist for weeks or longer

What About Sinus Infections?

A sinus infection (sinusitis) happens when the sinus cavities become inflamed often after a viral cold or due to bacteria. While mild infections can clear on their own, bacterial cases may require antibiotics.

Common sinus infection symptoms:

• Thick, yellow or green nasal discharge

• Facial pain or pressure (especially around the cheeks and forehead)

• Possible fever

• Headaches or dental pain

• Symptoms that last 7–14 days (sometimes longer in chronic cases)

Symptom	Fall Allergies	Sinus Infection
Nasal Discharge	Clear, watery	Thick, yellow/green
Facial Pain	Rare	Common
Fever	No	Possible
Duration	Weeks–months	7–14 days (shorter)

When to See an ENT Specialist

If your symptoms:

• Last more than 10 days,

• Keep coming back, or

• Interfere with sleep and daily life

  
  

t’s time to see an ENT specialist. Untreated sinus infections and ongoing allergies can affect breathing, cause chronic fatigue, and lower your quality of life.

Bottom line: Don’t tough it out. The right diagnosis is key to long-lasting relief. Related Posts You May Find Helpful

• Why Hearing Loss Is Rising in Younger Americans

• Not Just a Headache. Could It Be TMJ?

• Understanding Sinus Infections: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

  
  

These resources are backed by ENT specialists and trusted medical sources, helping you get reliable information for your health.

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Schedule a Consultation with an ENT Specialist

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Address: 3911 Hollywood Blvd#201, Hollywood, FL 33021, United States

Phone: 754-888-1368

Email: info@entfamily.com

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References

1. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI). Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever). https://acaai.org/allergies/types/hay-fever-rhinitis/

   
   

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Sinus Infection (Sinusitis). https://www.cdc.gov/sinus-infection/index.html

   
   

3. Mayo Clinic. Allergies. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/allergies/symptoms-causes/syc-20351497

   
   

4. ENT Family. Treatment and Testing for Allergies in Hollywood, FL. https://www.entfamily.com/post/treatment-and-testing-for-allergies-in-hollywood-fl