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AUGUSTA, Ga. – Piedmont Augusta is observing an increase in patients unsure if their symptoms stem from seasonal allergies, sinus infections, or viral illnesses. To assist, the medical center is clarifying the distinctions among these conditions.
“We’re encountering more patients convinced they have a sinus infection, while their symptoms are more indicative of allergies or a viral illness,” explained Bozeman Sherwood, M.D., Regional Medical Director for Piedmont Prompt Care. “Factors such as fever, itchy eyes, mucus color, and how long symptoms last can help us differentiate these conditions. However, many people, understandably, mix them up, especially during this time of year.”
Given the confusion that overlapping symptoms can cause, Piedmont Augusta has outlined the specific differences of each condition:
- Allergies typically cause sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, scratchy throat, and clear nasal drainage and rarely involve fever.
- Viral illnesses, including colds and flu, often cause fever, fatigue, body aches and congestion.
- Bacterial sinus infections are more likely to cause facial pressure, upper tooth pain, and thick yellow‑green mucus, especially if symptoms worsen after 10 days.
Piedmont advises individuals to seek medical evaluation if they experience any of the following symptoms:
- Fever lasting more than 72 hours
- Facial pain or pressure that worsens
- Thick yellow or green mucus
- Symptoms persisting longer than 10 days
- Difficulty breathing or severe fatigue