If you’re dealing with congestion, sinus pressure, or headaches this season, you may be wondering: Is this allergies… or a sinus infection?

The symptoms can feel similar, but the treatment is not always the same. Knowing what to look for can help you feel better faster and avoid unnecessary antibiotics.

Allergies: Common Signs

Seasonal allergies (allergic rhinitis) are triggered by allergens like pollen, dust, and pet dander. Symptoms often come and go and may last weeks depending on exposure.

Allergy symptoms often include:

• Sneezing
• Itchy eyes, nose, or throat
• Clear/runny nasal drainage
• Nasal congestion
• Post-nasal drip
• Mild sinus pressure
• Symptoms that improve indoors or worsen outdoors

✅ Allergies are more likely when symptoms last longer than 7–10 days without fever and you notice a pattern.

Sinus Infection: Common Signs

Most sinus infections start after a viral cold and may progress when inflammation blocks sinus drainage. Some cases are viral, while others can become bacterial.

Sinus infection symptoms may include:

• Thick yellow/green mucus
• Facial pain/pressure (especially around cheeks/eyes)
• Sinus headache
• Tooth pain (upper teeth)
• Fever (sometimes)
• Reduced sense of smell/taste
• Worsening congestion after a cold✅ A sinus infection may be more likely when symptoms feel worse rather than better over time.

The “Time Pattern” That Matters

One of the best ways to tell the difference is the timeline:

More likely allergies

✅ Symptoms linger but don’t worsen dramatically
✅ Itching + sneezing + clear drainage
✅ No fever
✅ Triggered by season, weather, outdoors, pets, dust

More likely sinus infection

⚠️ Symptoms persist longer than expected or worsen
⚠️ Thick mucus + facial pressure/pain
⚠️ Symptoms worsen after initial improvement

A common clue providers look for is “double worsening”—meaning you started improving, then suddenly got worse again.

What You Can Do at Home

Whether it’s allergies or sinus irritation, supportive care can help reduce symptoms:

✅ Hydration
✅ Saline rinse or saline spray
✅ Humidifier or steam shower
✅ Warm compress on face/sinuses
✅ Allergy meds (when appropriate)
✅ Avoid triggers (pollen, dust, smoke)

⚠️ If you have high blood pressure or heart conditions, check with a provider before using decongestants.

When to Seek Medical Care

You should consider a medical evaluation if you have:

🚩 Symptoms lasting longer than 10 days with no improvement
🚩 Severe facial pain/pressure
🚩 Fever
🚩 Thick mucus + significant sinus tenderness
🚩 Worsening symptoms after starting to improve
🚩 Recurrent sinus infections
🚩 Symptoms affecting sleep, work, or daily function

🚨 Seek urgent care right away for severe headache, facial swelling, vision changes, stiff neck, confusion, or shortness of breath.

How TNT Med Services Can Help

If you’re dealing with congestion and sinus pressure and aren’t sure if it’s allergies or a sinus infection, TNT Med Services can help you determine the cause and next best step.

✅ Convenient evaluation
✅ Guidance on safe symptom relief
✅ Prescriptions when appropriate
✅ Support for recurrent symptoms and prevention strategies
✅ Work/school notes as needed

You don’t have to suffer through it—let’s get you breathing easier.

Schedule your visit today:
➡️ https://tnt-med-services-llc.ueniweb.com/services/telehealth-urgent-care/allergies-sinus-infections-150436346