Congestion is a common complaint during the winter months in Colorado. Congestion or winter sinus pressure can be caused by the common cold, environmental allergies or sinus infections. In particular, people often confuse the symptoms of allergies with the symptoms of a sinus infection. Sometimes, the two diagnoses can be related because the mucus or simple tissue swelling (congestion) caused by allergies can block the sinus passages and lead to sinus infections.
How to Tell the Difference Between Seasonal Allergies and a Sinus Infection
While both allergies and sinus infections can cause congestion, a sinus infection generally also includes facial pressure and pain, toothaches, fever, nausea, bad breath and body aches. Another distinguishing factor between allergies and sinus infections is that sinus infections generally occur as a byproduct of another illness or ailment. For instance, a cold, allergies or any respiratory tract infection may ultimately lead to a sinus infection.
Allergies, on the other hand, can suddenly start “out of nowhere” depending upon the time of year and allergen levels in the environment. In addition to congestion, allergies will also often lead to runny nose, sneezing and itchy eyes. This constellation of symptoms is usually not present in sinus infections. The secretions from the nose with allergies is usually clear, as well. As a general rule, an untreated sinus infection will last for at least two weeks. Sinus pressure professionals may be able to ease the discomfort associated with a sinus infection and speed up the overall recovery process.
How the Colorado Climate Impacts Seasonal Sinus Pressure
The geographic location and climate in Colorado reduces the number of people who suffer from allergies. However, due to the frequency of winter storms, Colorado residents may experience more winter sinus pressure as a result of frequent and sudden changes in the barometric pressure. As a storm front moves in and out of the area, the external air pressure will rise or fall. Similar to the pressure that is experienced when taking off and landing in an airplane, the change in external air pressure may cause an increase in pain associated with sinus pressure.
What Can Be Done to Fight Sinus Infections and Seasonal Sinus Pressure
If you suffer from sinus headaches, including winter sinus pressure, the sinus pressure professionals at Asthma & Allergy Associates can evaluate you and come up with an individualized treatment plan to address these symptoms. Just simply give the allergy and asthma physicians at Asthma and Allergy Associates a call today to begin your fight against sinus infections and winter or seasonal allergies today!