When congestion, headaches, or pressure around your eyes set in, distinguishing between seasonal allergies and sinusitis can be challenging. At Texas ENT Specialists, our board-certified physicians have helped thousands across the Greater Houston and San Antonio areas find lasting relief from both conditions. Understanding the differences can help you avoid prolonged discomfort and ineffective treatments. Here’s how to recognize the signs so you can take the right next step.
Understanding Sinus Pain
Sinus pain often involves more than nasal congestion—it can include facial pressure, headaches, and changes in smell or taste. Sinus issues typically develop when drainage pathways become blocked, allowing mucus to build up and cause infection or inflammation. Common symptoms include:
- Facial pressure or swelling
- Pain that worsens when bending over
- Thick yellow or green nasal discharge
- Congestion lasting more than 10 days without improvement
- Recurring infections despite treatment
If sinus discomfort has lasted 12 weeks or longer, it may indicate chronic sinusitis, which requires medical evaluation. Texas ENT Specialists offers advanced diagnostics, including in-office CT imaging, and treatments ranging from medication to minimally invasive procedures like balloon sinuplasty.
Spotting Allergy-Related Problems
Allergies occur when your immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless substance—such as pollen, pet dander, dust mites, or mold—as a threat. These reactions can mimic sinus symptoms but are often accompanied by:
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Frequent sneezing
- Clear, watery nasal discharge
- Symptoms that appear during pollen seasons or after specific exposures
Unlike sinus infections, allergies typically don’t cause fever or thick nasal mucus. Texas ENT Specialists offers comprehensive allergy testing and tailored treatments, including Asensa Allergy Drops®, allergy shots, and biologic therapy, to manage both seasonal and year-round triggers.
When Allergy and Sinus Symptoms Look the Same
Because allergy and sinus symptoms often overlap, self-diagnosis can be unreliable. Similar congestion, headaches, or fatigue may stem from different causes—bacterial infections, structural issues, or immune responses—each requiring a specific treatment approach. Without professional evaluation, you risk delaying effective care or using therapies that don’t address the real problem. An accurate diagnosis, guided by a detailed medical history, physical exam, and when needed imaging or allergy testing, is the surest way to determine the best treatment plan.
Signs It’s Time for an ENT Evaluation
You should schedule an ENT evaluation if you experience:
- Persistent sinus pain or pressure for more than 10 days
- Multiple sinus infections within a year
- Allergy treatments that no longer control your symptoms
- Difficulty breathing through your nose due to structural issues
- Loss of smell or taste that doesn’t return
Our team will determine the root cause of your symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan, whether that involves advanced sinus procedures, allergy immunotherapy, or a combination.
The Texas ENT Specialists Advantage
In Texas, where high pollen counts and seasonal changes can make symptoms unpredictable, allergy and sinus conditions often overlap. At Texas ENT Specialists, we combine decades of experience, advanced diagnostic tools, and a network of top-rated providers to deliver accurate diagnoses and lasting relief. With 15 convenient locations across the Greater Houston area, we make it simple to get the care you need.
If you are experiencing ongoing congestion, facial pressure, or allergy symptoms, schedule an appointment with Texas ENT Specialists. Our board-certified physicians will provide clear answers and effective solutions so you can breathe easier and live without recurring symptoms.
