For some, the first green of spring or a warm autumn breeze brings nothing but joy. For others, it brings a runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes. It feels like a regular cold, so you start drinking hot tea, doing steam inhalations, and hope it’ll «go away on its own». But what if it doesn’t? The cause may be pollen or dust mites, and your home remedies won’t help. In fact, ignoring allergies can drain your immune system and open the door to sneaky viruses. That’s why getting the right diagnosis is crucial!

Key Allergy Symptoms

Remember that seasonal rhinitis almost never causes a fever. You may feel fine otherwise, but can’t stop sneezing. Nasal discharge is clear and excessive, with itching in the nose, palate, and sometimes even the ears. The eyes become red and watery, and in severe cases, you may develop light sensitivity.

You should suspect allergies if these symptoms worsen outside, near blooming trees or on dry, windy days, and ease during rain or in an air-conditioned room. A typical sign is the «allergy mask»—an open mouth due to constant nasal congestion and dark circles under the eyes.

Infectious Signs That Point to a Virus

Viral infections usually come with a fever, muscle aches, and headaches. Nasal discharge starts out clear but thickens and turns yellow within days. You’ll also likely have a sore throat and possibly a cough.

Itching of the nose or eyes is very rare with viral illnesses. These start two to three days after contact with someone sick and usually resolve within a week, whereas allergies last for the entire blooming season or as long as the allergen is present.

How Doctors Make an Accurate Diagnosis

An ENT specialist first examines the mucosa using an endoscope and checks for polyps or a deviated septum. If allergies are suspected, they will likely order an IgE test to identify the specific trigger. Believe it or not, you might not even know what’s causing your symptoms!

If an infection is suspected, a bacterial culture or sinus CT scan may be needed to rule out sinusitis. Keep in mind that a correct diagnosis is only half the battle—it determines whether you need antihistamines, antivirals, nasal steroids, or in-office rinses.

What to Do If It’s Allergies

Modern antihistamines ease symptoms without causing drowsiness, and nasal steroid sprays reduce swelling and inflammation. Your doctor may also suggest AIT—allergen immunotherapy—a course of microdoses to train your immune system to react less aggressively over time.

At home, daily showers and nasal rinsing with isotonic solution after being outdoors help a lot. Experts also recommend washing bedding at 60 °C and using HEPA-filter air purifiers.

An ideal routine includes walking after rain or in the evening when pollen levels are lower. If you drive, switch your car’s climate system to recirculation mode.

Can You Have Both Allergies and Infections at Once?

Yes, the body can take a double hit. During seasonal allergies, the nasal mucosa is already inflamed and weakened, so viruses can easily get in and cause inflammation. Then the clear nasal discharge thickens, and the temperature spikes. Antihistamines no longer work, and your condition worsens. In such cases, the ENT and allergist work together: the ENT handles bacterial complications and prescribes antivirals or local antibiotics, while the allergist adjusts your anti-allergy plan to reduce immune overload.

So, if your runny nose and watery eyes last more than two weeks, or your usual meds stop helping, don’t delay—see an ENT and allergist at North Fulton ENT. It’s the right decision you can make, because preventing complications is always easier (and cheaper) than treating them later.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider, such as an ENT specialist or allergist, for diagnosis and treatment of health conditions.

Published by Jeremy S.