Allergies in the Nose

Allergic Rhinitis, Sinusitis and Viral Rhinitis (Common Cold): How To Tell the Difference

	Sinusitis	Viral Rhinitis	Allergic Rhinitis
Symptoms	Congestion Green or gray nasal discharge Postnasal drip Pressure in the face Headache Cough	Runny nose with watery to thick yellow discharge Low grade fever Sneezing Weakness and fatigue	Congestion Runny nose with thin, watery discharge Sneezing Wheezing 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

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