Allergies in the Nose
Allergic Rhinitis, Sinusitis and Viral Rhinitis (Common Cold): How To Tell the Difference
|Sinusitis||Viral Rhinitis||Allergic Rhinitis|
Green or gray nasal discharge
Pressure in the face
|Runny nose with watery to thick yellow discharge
Low grade fever
Weakness and fatigue
Runny nose with thin, watery discharge
Itchy nose, throat and eyes
|Onset||Develops as a complication after a cold. Can also be triggered by allergies.||Symptoms develop within one to three days of exposure to the cold virus.||Symptoms begin almost immediately after exposure to allergen(s). If seasonal/intermittent allergies, symptoms occur at the same time every year. If perennial/persistent allergies, symptoms are present year-round.|
|Typical Duration||Can last weeks, months and even years if ignored.||Five to seven days.||Symptoms last as long as you are exposed to the allergen. If the allergen is present year-round, symptoms may be chronic.|
|Source: American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology|
Do you think your symptoms are typical of allergic rhinitis? Click here to find out more about this disease.
Do you think your symptoms are typical of sinusitis? Click here to find out more about this disease.
Click here to read about the treatment of allergic diseases.