Sinus and Allergy

Why choose Geisinger for sinus and allergy care?

Maybe you thought it was the pollen. Then the new puppy. Then the change of season. But the congestion and sneezing keep coming back. Whatever's behind your symptoms, the first step is finding the source.

Allergy testing can show you what you're reacting to, and from there your care team builds a plan to get you breathing easier — whether that means calming seasonal allergies or clearing a sinus infection that's left you feeling sick.

And here, your sinus and allergy care has more than one kind of specialist. Depending on what you need, you might see an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor, an allergist or another specialist, so your care always matches your symptoms.

To meet with our team, ask your primary care provider (PCP) for a referral. We'll get you clear answers and build a plan around you, with your whole health in view.

Treatments and services we offer

Related specialties

FAQs

What’s sinusitis?

Sinusitis is a sinus infection. Your sinuses swell and get blocked, mucus builds up and you feel pressure, congestion and facial pain. It often follows a cold or allergies — and sometimes it can linger or keep coming back.

How can I tell the difference between a cold, allergies and a sinus infection?

At first they feel a lot alike. The best clue is timing: A cold usually clears in a week to 10 days. Symptoms that hang on longer than that, or keep getting worse, are more likely to be allergies or a sinus infection. Allergy testing can help you narrow it down.

What are common sinus and allergy symptoms?

A sinus issue or allergies can feel like a cold that overstays its welcome. You might notice:

Congestion
Coughing
Discolored nasal discharge
Facial pressure or pain
Fever
Headaches
Itchy, watery eyes
Postnasal drip
Sneezing

When these stick around, it's worth talking about your symptoms with your doctor.

What are common sinus and allergy risk factors?

While sinusitis is very common, you may be more likely to develop the allergy and sinus conditions if you:

Smoke
Are frequently around secondhand smoke
Have a deviated septum
Have asthma
Are a woman

How do doctors diagnose sinusitis and allergies?

Since these conditions look so alike, a test or two often give the clearest answer. Beyond allergy testing, your specialist might use:

An endoscopy, which is a thin, lighted scope for a close look inside your nose and sinuses
Allergy tests, which can identify certain indicators of sinusitis or allergies
A CT scan, or detailed images of your sinuses, using X-rays

All can help confirm what's going on with your symptoms and rule out anything else.

What’s allergy testing, and how does it work?

An allergy test pinpoints exactly what you're reacting to, so your treatment targets the real trigger. A few ways to do it:

Skin prick test: A small device lightly pricks your skin with a diluted allergen.
Intradermal test: A tiny needle places a bit of allergen just under your skin.
Blood test: A quick blood draw checks for specific allergies.

Your specialist will walk you through which makes sense for you and what the results mean.

Do I need a referral for sinus and allergy care?

Usually, yes — for symptom-related visits, your PCP sends us an order first. After that, we take it from there. You can also call 800-275-6401 to schedule your consultation.