The difference between rhinitis and sinusitis By definition the difference between rhinitis and sinusitis Rhinitis: as the name implies, inflammation of the nasal cavity. Sinusitis: inflammation of one or more sinuses. The fundamental difference between allergic rhinitis (which is a type of rhinitis) and sinusitis is that the lesions occur at different sites, the former in the nasal cavity and the latter in the sinuses.
1, the relationship between rhinitis and sinusitis In acute rhinitis, if improperly treated, the inflammation of the nasal mucosa can spread through the sinus opening into the sinuses, so that the mucous membrane within the sinuses produces acute inflammation, that is, acute sinusitis, the main symptom is the nose is not ventilated, runny nose and headache. If acute rhinitis and acute sinusitis recur, eventually chronic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis can form.
The symptoms of chronic rhinitis are non-ventilation of the nose or alternately poor ventilation of both nostrils and mucus nasal discharge. Chronic sinusitis, on the other hand, is characterized by frequent white thick nasal discharge, yellow purulent nasal discharge after a cold, and reduced sense of smell. As mentioned above, the onset of rhinitis and sinusitis are closely related, but the clinical manifestations are different, and there are differences in what is seen on examination.
2, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis difference Allergic to the spring and autumn season is more frequent, is due to the body allergic to a substance caused by rhinitis, can cause a series of allergic symptoms appear, patients often appear nasal congestion, runny water, nasal itch, throat discomfort, cough and other symptoms, and even induce asthma. The main symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis are nasal congestion, runny nose, and may include headache, tinnitus and visual impairment.
Allergic rhinitis is dominated by nasal itching, sneezing (paroxysmal) and clear watery snot; sinusitis is dominated by runny nose and nasal congestion, and headache and other symptoms may occur. The diagnosis of chronic sinusitis can be confirmed by sinus CT examination. In terms of treatment, oral antihistamines (such as desloratadine) are effective in allergic rhinitis. It is recommended that you combine your symptoms to make a judgment, or go to the ENT department for sinus CT examination to clarify the diagnosis.
It is possible that symptoms of allergic rhinitis and sinusitis may coexist, for example, both may have symptoms such as nasal congestion.
3, clinically rhinitis is often combined with sinusitis clinically rhinitis and sinusitis are mostly combined because the structure of the nasal cavity and sinuses are interrelated and often the two affect each other causing a vicious circle.
Patients with allergic rhinitis and sinusitis are both male and female, with the former being younger, 40% being children and adolescents, and the latter being more common in adults.
Most patients with chronic rhinitis and sinusitis have a long course of illness, and patients often suffer from runny nose, headaches, and memory loss, which cause a lot of inconvenience and impact on life and work. Chronic sinusitis in children can also seriously affect academic performance and lead to lower grades. Chronic sinusitis can also act as a focal point and lead to infection of nearby organs. Sinusitis can also cause asthma attacks, and asthma patients with sinusitis should be treated for sinusitis first.
Whether it is rhinitis, sinusitis, or allergic rhinitis, the clinical treatment actually has similarities. For example, treatment of rhinitis and sinusitis also requires avoidance of allergens.
For example, nasal rinses are very effective for all three diseases. Nasal rinsing can improve mucus cilia clearance function related to, remove secretions, reduce mucosal edema, reduce inflammatory mediators, and can effectively play an anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic role, which can be applied to all stages of rhinitis and sinusitis, significantly relieving nasal congestion, runny nose and post-nasal drip in patients with rhinosinusitis. It can also be applied to allergic rhinitis, post-nasal endoscopy and other conditions. It is simple, inexpensive, easy to use and has few side effects.
In addition, herbs such as astragalus and yam are good for the regulation and treatment of all three diseases.