You don’t have to keep living with chronic nasal congestion, sinus pressure, itchy eyes, or other allergy-related symptoms. At Mardiney® Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology Centers, you’ll receive expert, personalized care starting with your very first visit.
While some practices require multiple appointments for consultations, testing, and treatment, we focus on efficiency and results. During your initial appointment, we’ll review your symptoms and medical history and perform any necessary testing to identify the underlying cause of your condition so treatment can begin right away.
Allergic rhinitis and sinusitis affect millions of people each year and are often confused, but they are different conditions.
Understanding the difference between these conditions is an important step toward choosing the most effective treatment plan.
Allergic rhinitis is triggered by environmental allergens such as pollen, dust, mold, and animal dander. The immune system reacts to these allergens as if they were harmful substances, causing an inflammatory response that can lead to the following symptoms:
Many people experience allergic rhinitis symptoms seasonally, usually in the spring and late summer or early fall. This is commonly known as hay fever. Non-seasonal, year-round (perennial) symptoms of rhinitis are often triggered by indoor allergens such as pet dander, dust mites, and mold.
To help manage symptoms, maintaining a clean home environment can make a meaningful difference. Environmental control measures — especially in the bedroom — can help reduce allergen exposure and symptoms. Using dust-mite-proof bedding covers, removing carpeting when possible, and limiting pet access to sleeping areas may all help lessen symptoms.
There are many over-the-counter and prescription medications available to treat allergic rhinitis and hay fever. Treatment options may include pills, liquids, eye drops, nasal sprays, or saline nasal rinses. An allergy specialist can help determine which treatment options are best for your specific symptoms and triggers.
Sinusitis can be caused by allergies or infections, such as those that develop after a common cold. Similar to allergic rhinitis, people with sinusitis experience inflammation and congestion in the nasal passages. However, sinusitis often causes additional symptoms related to the sinuses themselves, including pain or pressure around the cheeks, behind the eyes, in the forehead, or near the ears.
Other common symptoms include:
Treatment for sinusitis depends on the underlying cause. Many cases, especially those related to viral infections, improve on their own with rest, hydration, and supportive care. However, you should schedule an appointment with your physician if symptoms last more than 10 days, worsen after initially improving, are severe, or include a high fever.
When sinusitis is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed. A sinus specialist can evaluate your symptoms, determine the cause of your sinus inflammation, and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.
If you are experiencing mild to severe nasal or sinus symptoms related to allergic rhinitis or sinusitis, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Acute sinus symptoms can cause significant discomfort and may sometimes signal an infection or another underlying allergy-related condition. Seeing a specialist can help identify the source of your symptoms and reduce the risk of future sinus flare-ups. The allergy testing and treatments available at our centers can help relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life.
If you have any questions about nasal allergies, sinus symptoms, allergy testing, or any of the services we offer, please don’t hesitate to call us today at (877) 878-9314 or fill out our contact form to request an appointment. We can help you schedule a visit with a specialist at any of our three convenient Maryland locations.
Allergies (allergic rhinitis) often cause sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, a runny nose, and clear nasal drainage. A sinus infection is more likely to cause facial pressure, thicker nasal discharge, headache, and sometimes fever. Because symptoms can overlap, a specialist can help determine the cause and recommend the right treatment.
Allergic rhinitis is inflammation of the nasal passages caused by allergens such as pollen, dust, or pet dander. Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses and may be caused by allergies, viral infections (like colds), or bacterial infections. Rhinitis mainly affects the nose, while sinusitis more often causes facial pressure or pain.
Yes. Allergies can lead to swelling that blocks normal sinus drainage. When mucus becomes trapped, it can increase the risk of sinus infection.
You should see a specialist if your symptoms:
Allergy testing may include a skin test and/or blood test to identify which allergens are triggering your symptoms. The results help your specialist create a personalized treatment plan and target the root cause of your symptoms.
Sometimes. Many cases—especially those caused by viruses—improve with rest, hydration, and supportive care. However, you should seek medical care if symptoms last more than 10 days, worsen after initially improving, are severe, or include a high fever.
Treatment may include antihistamines, nasal sprays, eye drops, saline rinses, and prescription medications. Your specialist may also recommend environmental control strategies to reduce allergen exposure at home.
Allergy immunotherapy (allergy shots) gradually helps your immune system become less sensitive to allergens. Over time, it can reduce allergy symptoms and may help decrease allergy-related sinus flare-ups by addressing the underlying trigger.
Not always. Many cases of sinusitis are caused by viruses or inflammation from allergies, which do not respond to antibiotics. A clinician can evaluate whether a bacterial infection is likely before prescribing antibiotics.
Many patients start to feel relief once they’re on the right treatment plan. Some notice improvement within a few days, but timing depends on the cause and severity of symptoms. Identifying the underlying cause is key to faster and longer-lasting relief.
