Although many people associate the colder months with illnesses, the risk of getting sick isn’t necessarily lower in the summertime—especially in Scottsdale, where the dry heat and rising allergens can cause nasal and respiratory issues. And with summer travels and other fun, seasonal events happening, it can be that much more of an inconvenience if something brings you down. If you’re starting to feel off, it’s essential to understand the difference between seasonal allergy symptoms and viral illnesses so you can manage your case effectively and get back on your feet to enjoy everything the summer brings.

Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies are caused by an allergic reaction to pollen from various sources, including trees, grasses, and weeds. Plants releasing pollen into the air can trigger an immune response in individuals with allergies. This immune response may manifest in symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose, itching in the eyes, nose, and throat, and congestion. These symptoms can range in severity and significantly impact a person’s daily activities and quality of life during the summer months in Scottsdale.

Summer Colds

Summer colds are typically mild but annoying, especially if they linger. They are viral and can come after traveling, exposure to poor air conditioning, and even being around kids. Summer colds usually start with a sore throat or runny nose, followed by sneezing, mild cough, and congestion. You might feel tired, but colds don’t usually cause high fevers or severe fatigue. Symptoms to watch out for include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, mild cough, and occasional mild headache. Colds usually last 5-7 days, and symptoms gradually improve. Most colds clear up independently with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies to ease symptoms like congestion or a sore throat.

Sinus Infections

Sinus infections happen when your sinus passages get inflamed, often after allergies or a cold. They can cause significant facial pain or pressure, especially around your forehead, nose, and eyes. Unlike colds or the flu, a sinus infection may bring on thick, yellow, or greenish nasal discharge.

Symptoms to monitor include thick nasal mucus (yellow or green), facial pressure or pain (especially around the nose, eyes, and forehead), headache, and sometimes fever or tooth pain.

Acute sinus infections can last up to four weeks, but chronic sinusitis can linger for months.

Sinus infections can sometimes clear up with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter treatments. If symptoms last over 10 days or worsen, you may need to see a healthcare provider for antibiotics.

How to Take Effective Action This Summer

Although you can attempt to diagnose your case at home—which can certainly provide temporary relief—it’s recommended that you seek medical care to differentiate between allergies, colds, and sinus infections. It’s easy to misdiagnose and treat the wrong condition, making things worse. For example, antihistamines don’t help colds, and antibiotics won’t help allergies or most viral infections. Misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary medications or delays in proper treatment.

You can get to the bottom of your case by booking an appointment with a medical professional. Visit Sinus & Allergy Wellness Center in Scottsdale, Arizona today–we have a handful of ways to diagnose and treat your summer sickness, including:

• Allergy testing to confirm triggers
• In-office services, such as sinus imaging or endoscopy
• Personalized treatment plans include:
  • Immunotherapy
  • Balloon sinuplasty
  • Prescription-strength medications
• Guidance on managing summer triggers

Wrapping Up

Many of us look forward to summer. Be sure to stay on top of your health now to maximize the fun that’s to come. Don’t rely on a self-diagnosis to clear your sickness because you could be getting it wrong—reach out to Sinus & Allergy Wellness Center staff in Scottsdale, Arizona today for effective treatment.