August in Atlanta can be confusing for your sinuses.
One day you feel fine. The next, you’re sneezing, congested, coughing, rubbing itchy eyes or wondering why your throat suddenly feels irritated.
So what is causing it?
Is it seasonal allergies? A cold? A sinus infection? Another respiratory virus?
Late summer is an important time to pay attention to these symptoms because ragweed begins producing pollen in August and can trigger sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, headaches and throat irritation. Ragweed pollen can also worsen asthma symptoms in some people.
At the same time, respiratory viruses continue to circulate year-round. Symptoms such as congestion, coughing and fatigue shouldn’t automatically be blamed on allergies.
Here’s how to tell the difference and when it may be time to get checked.
Seasonal allergies and viral illnesses can look surprisingly similar, but a few clues can help.
Allergies are more likely when you have:
Frequent sneezing
Itchy or watery eyes
An itchy nose or throat
Clear nasal drainage
Symptoms that get worse after spending time outdoors
Symptoms that come and go depending on pollen exposure
No fever
Late-summer ragweed allergies commonly cause sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, headaches, eye irritation and an itchy throat.
A respiratory infection may be more likely when you have:
Sore throat
Cough
Fatigue
Fever or chills
Body aches
Symptoms that develop over several days
A general feeling of being sick
There is enough overlap that symptoms alone do not always tell you exactly what is happening.
If you’re unsure or symptoms are getting worse instead of better, a medical evaluation can help.
Many people think of allergies as a spring problem, but ragweed is a major late-summer and fall allergen.
Ragweed typically begins blooming and producing pollen in August and can continue into the fall. Because its pollen travels through the air, you do not need to have ragweed growing in your own yard to experience symptoms.
That means someone who felt perfectly fine earlier in the summer may suddenly notice:
Persistent sneezing
Nasal congestion
Runny nose
Itchy eyes
Throat irritation
Headaches
Increased coughing or wheezing
If you already have asthma, seasonal allergens may also make respiratory symptoms more noticeable.
Another common question is whether congestion has turned into a sinus infection.
Sinus pressure, headache, congestion and nasal drainage can occur with allergies, colds and sinus infections, so the symptoms can be difficult to distinguish on your own.
Consider seeing a healthcare provider if symptoms are significant, worsening, persist longer than expected or improve and then become noticeably worse again.
A provider can review how long you have been sick, your other symptoms and your medical history to determine the most appropriate next step.
Respiratory viruses do not disappear when winter ends.
Because respiratory infections and allergies can share symptoms such as congestion, coughing and fatigue, it is not always possible to know the cause simply by how you feel.
Testing or an in-person evaluation may be appropriate depending on your symptoms, health history and potential exposures.
If your symptoms are mild and appear consistent with seasonal allergies, there are several ways to reduce pollen exposure.
You can:
Keep windows closed when pollen levels are high.
Change clothes after spending significant time outdoors.
Shower before bed to avoid bringing pollen onto bedding.
Wash your hands after handling pets that have been outside.
Check local pollen counts before extended outdoor activities.
Over-the-counter allergy medications may help some people, but not every medication is appropriate for every patient. If you have chronic health conditions, take other medications, are pregnant or have questions about what is safe for you, speak with a healthcare professional.
Consider seeking care if:
You aren’t sure whether your symptoms are allergies or an illness.
Symptoms are getting worse.
You have persistent sinus pain or pressure.
You develop a fever.
Your cough is persistent or worsening.
You have ear pain.
You experience wheezing or worsening asthma symptoms.
Over-the-counter measures are not helping.
Your symptoms are interfering with sleep, work, school or normal activities.
You also do not have to wait until symptoms become severe to ask for help.
Sometimes the most useful reason for a visit is simply: “I’ve been feeling like this for several days and I don’t know what’s causing it.”
Urgent care can be a convenient option when you need prompt evaluation for a medical problem that is concerning but does not appear life-threatening.
WestsideMed’s urgent care services include evaluation and treatment for common illnesses and symptoms such as asthma symptoms, strep throat, flu, COVID-19, fever, ear infections, eye irritation, nausea and vomiting, rashes and other common illnesses and injuries.
Depending on your symptoms, a provider may recommend testing, lab work or imaging.
Some symptoms require emergency care rather than urgent care.
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for potentially life-threatening symptoms such as severe difficulty breathing, severe chest pain, loss of consciousness or another medical emergency.
You don’t have to diagnose yourself.
If you are dealing with congestion, coughing, sinus pressure, sore throat, ear pain, fever, worsening asthma symptoms or another illness and aren’t sure what is causing it, WestsideMed Urgent Care & Primary Care in Atlanta can help determine the appropriate next step.
WestsideMed offers urgent care and same-day primary care, along with lab services, X-rays, EKGs, vaccinations and physicals.
WestsideMed
2250 Marietta Blvd NW, Suite 306
Atlanta, GA 30318
Walk in or reserve your spot online today.
When you don’t feel like yourself, getting the right answer can be the first step toward feeling better.
Medically Reviewed by Ariel Esteves, APRN, FNP-BC
