Asinus infection, however, is usually sparked by bacteria or viruses.

This condition is life-threatening, so calling 911 and getting urgent medical attention is essential.

Sinus infections frequently occur after a bout of congestion or a recent cold or allergies.

Allergies vs. Sinus Infections - Illustrations by Sydney Saporito

Verywell / Sydney Saporito

Each of these can lead to inflammation or blockage in the sinuses.

How to Tell the Difference

Sinus infection and allergies look and feel similar in several ways.

Symptoms

The onset and duration of symptoms differ between allergies and sinusitis.

When you have allergies, your symptoms will develop shortly after being exposed to the offending allergen.

Those symptoms should improve shortly after removing yourself from the cat or its environment.

Sinus infection symptoms develop more gradually and shouldn’t last longer than seven to 10 days.

In very severe cases, exposure to an allergen can trigger a life-threatening allergic reaction calledanaphylaxis.

When this happens, the airways can swell and tighten, making it hard to breathe.

This jot down of reaction does not occur with sinus infection.

Other symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that can be fatal unless rapidly treated.

If you have symptoms of anaphylaxis, call 911 or go to an emergency room immediately.

Sometimes aCT scanis used to help with diagnosis.

Treatment

Allergy treatmentinvolves identifying and avoiding the substance you are allergic to.

You should also discuss the appropriate use of medications to manage your condition.

Preventingsinus infectionsinvolves treating allergies and congestion sparked by colds or upper respiratory infections.

American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Anaphylaxis.

Nemours KidsHealth.Definition: Histamine.

Penn Medicine.Sinus infection (sinusitis).

American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Sinus infection.

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Allergy diagnosis.

Cleveland Clinic.Sinus infection (sinusitis).