Spring brings longer days, blooming flowers and, for many, a runny nose and itchy eyes. If you’re reaching for tissues every morning or sneezing your way through meetings, you’re not alone. But how do you know if it’s just hay fever or something more persistent like sinusitis?
The symptoms can be surprisingly similar, but getting the right diagnosis means you can treat the problem properly and feel better faster.
What Is Hay Fever?
Hay fever, or seasonal allergic rhinitis, is an allergic reaction to airborne particles like pollen from trees, grass or weeds. It affects millions in the UK each year, typically starting in March and peaking between May and July, depending on the pollen type.
Typical symptoms include sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, a clear runny nose or nasal congestion, and an itchy throat or ears. Symptoms tend to worsen outdoors or in the morning.
What Is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses, often triggered by a cold, allergy or structural issue in the nose. It may be acute (lasting up to four weeks) or chronic (lasting longer than 12 weeks).
Symptoms of sinusitis usually include a blocked or stuffy nose, sometimes on one side, facial pressure or pain around the cheeks and eyes, thick yellow or green mucus, postnasal drip, and a reduced sense of smell. Unlike hay fever, these symptoms tend to linger and don’t usually respond to antihistamines.
You can learn more about sinusitis and its treatment options on our sinusitis page.
Spotting the Difference
Hay fever typically causes clear discharge and itching, especially in the eyes and throat. Sinusitis, on the other hand, tends to involve facial pressure, thick mucus and a dull ache around the face. Both can cause a blocked or congested nose. Hay fever usually improves with antihistamines, while sinusitis may require steroid sprays, rinses or antibiotics in some cases.
When to See a Specialist
If your symptoms persist beyond pollen season, don’t improve with allergy medication, or include facial pressure and discoloured mucus, it’s worth speaking with an ENT consultant. In some cases, hay fever can trigger chronic sinus problems that need specialist care.
Final Thoughts
If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are caused by allergies or a sinus infection, we can help. At London ENT, we offer expert diagnosis and treatment for both conditions, with personalised plans to help you breathe and feel better throughout the season.