Are allergies and sinusitis the same?

Answer 1

An allergy is a sensitivity to a substance that causes a physiological reaction in the body. This could be as simple as sneezing from cat dander, or as severe as an Asthma attack from peanut oil.

A sinus is a cavity in the skull, connected by a passageway to the nostrils, which is often affected by allergic reaction, resulting in such things as runny nose, headache and dizziness.

Sinusitis is an inflammation of a sinus cavity which might be allergy related, but could also be due to a viral or bacterial infection.

Answer 2

No, Allergies and sinusitis are not the same.

Sinusitis can exist apart from or in conjunction with other conditions. On it's own, it can be from viral, bacterial, or structural problems with the sinuses.

Allergies can cause intermittent or chronic sinusitis. Some allergy sufferers only have sinus or "cold" symptoms, with stuffy nose, runny nose, etc. Other allergy sufferers have little sinus problems but the allergies affect the ears, throat, and lungs.

The only way to tell for sure what is going on is to have allergy testing.

Instead of expensive tests, though, many doctors simply prescribe or suggest medications used in allergies or sinusitis (example: Zyrtec). The medication often helps, regardless of the cause.

Answer 3

When allergies are severe, it can cause a large amount of congestion. This congestion can lead to the inflammation of the sinus cavities which is called sinusitis.

Answer 4

Yes,in most cases they do.