Really bad allergies and possible sinus infection.

Allergies or sinus infection and what to do about symptoms?

• I have seasonal allergies and they weren't bothering me this year until two days ago when i had a bit of a scratchy throat and post nasal drip. I slept over someone's apartment that night and their roommate smokes inside. I woke up and my throat was on fire. It felt completely dried out between my nose and throat and hurt very badly. Yesterday, I felt rundown and tired and sometimes had chills, but these things all happen to me when I have allergies, I still had a bit of a post nasal drip and slightly runny nose. My throat became scratchy further down no stopped hurting where it had before. I took a homeopathic allergy medicine last night after standing outside waiting for a bus for a long time. when I woke up today, sorry this is gross, a big blob of yellow mucus with a tinge of orange came out of my sinuses into my throat. I can't smell and, just like when I have allergies, the inside of my nose is swollen. My throat is still scratchy. I just feel like lying around today and calling out of work. Could this be allergy overload, or does it sound like a sinus infection? I don't make a lot of money and have no insurance, so I don't want to run right to the doctor. What are some things I can do to alleviate the symptoms and how do I know when I really should assume its an infection and go?

• Answer:

  It could be from the environment you were in; irritating smoke, etc. Maybe you just wore yourself down and need some time to rest and recover. Gargling with warm salt water (half teaspoon of salt per 4 ounces of warm water) several or more times a day may help. If you develop a fever, call your doctor and let him know your symptoms.