Understanding the Difference: Seasonal Allergies vs. Chronic Sinusitis

As the weather shifts in Atlanta, many residents begin to experience sneezing, congestion, and sinus pressure. While seasonal allergies are common, it’s important to recognize when symptoms may indicate chronic sinusitis—a condition that requires medical treatment and possibly an ENT evaluation.

Knowing the difference can help you get the right care sooner, avoid prolonged discomfort, and prevent complications.

Seasonal Allergies vs. Chronic Sinusitis: What’s the Difference?

Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to airborne allergens, such as pollen, mold, or grass. Atlanta’s spring and fall pollen seasons can trigger symptoms in many people.

Common symptoms of seasonal allergies include:

• Sneezing
  
  
• Runny or itchy nose
  
  
• Itchy or watery eyes
  
  
• Postnasal drip
  
  
• Mild sinus pressure
  
  

These symptoms typically:

• Come and go based on exposure to allergens
  
  
• Improve with allergy medications or avoidance
  
  
• Don’t usually cause fever
  
  

Chronic Sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis is a persistent inflammation of the sinuses that lasts 12 weeks or longer, despite treatment. It can occur after repeated infections, allergies, or structural issues such as a deviated septum or nasal polyps.

Common symptoms of chronic sinusitis include:

• Ongoing nasal congestion
  
  
• Thick, discolored nasal discharge
  
  
• Facial pressure or pain
  
  
• Reduced sense of smell
  
  
• Headaches
  
  
• Fatigue
  
  
• Cough or postnasal drip that persists for weeks
  
  
• Symptoms that persist or recur despite home treatment
  
  

Chronic sinusitis can be more than just uncomfortable—it can significantly impact quality of life and sleep.

How to Tell Which Condition You Have

Here are some key indicators that your symptoms may be more than seasonal allergies:

Your symptoms last longer than 10–14 days
Allergies can last longer, but a persistent problem that doesn’t improve may suggest sinusitis.

You experience thick, discolored nasal discharge
Clear drainage is more common with allergies, while sinus infections often produce thicker mucus.

You have facial pain or pressure that worsens when bending forward
This is a classic sign of sinus inflammation.

You’ve had multiple sinus infections in the past year
Recurrent infections can lead to chronic sinusitis.

Your symptoms persist despite allergy medication
If over-the-counter treatments aren’t helping, it may be time for a professional evaluation.

When to Seek ENT Evaluation

If you experience any of the following, it’s a good idea to schedule an ENT evaluation:

• Symptoms lasting more than 12 weeks
  
  
• Frequent sinus infections or worsening symptoms
  
  
• Persistent facial pain or pressure
  
  
• Difficulty breathing through the nose
  
  
• Reduced sense of smell
  
  
• Recurrent headaches related to sinus pressure
  
  
• Symptoms that interfere with daily life or sleep
  
  

An ENT specialist can evaluate the underlying cause and recommend treatment options tailored to your needs.

How Atlanta ENT Can Help

At Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, our team provides comprehensive care for both allergies and chronic sinusitis. We offer:

• Allergy testing and personalized treatment plans
  
  
• Medication management and immunotherapy
  
  
• Minimally invasive procedures like balloon sinuplasty
  
  
• Treatments for nasal obstruction including VivAer®, RhinAer®, and Neuromark
  
  
• Evaluation and treatment for chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps
  
  

Get the Right Care for Lasting Relief

If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are seasonal allergies or chronic sinusitis, the experts at Atlanta ENT can help you find answers and relief.

Author

Ramie A. Tritt, MD Ramie A. Tritt, MD, FRCSC, specializes in nasal and sinus surgery as well as snoring and sleep apnea surgery at Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C.’s Sandy Springs location in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Tritt graduated from medical school with honors from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. He completed his otolaryngology residency at McGill University and his fellowship in otology and head and neck surgery at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, New York. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Otolaryngology and a fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Dr. Tritt is a member of the Medical Association of Georgia and the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Tritt has been an instructor at national ENT meetings, a Medical Advisory Board member for computer image-guided sinus surgery, and been recognized by Atlanta Magazine as a “Doctor Who Doctors Go To”.