How do I know if I have rhinitis or sinusitis?
One of the key ways to tell if you are experiencing allergic rhinitis is if you have itchy, watery eyes along with your other symptoms. Itchiness is rarely a symptom of a sinus infection. Another way to tell the difference is if you have very thick yellow or green nasal discharge.
How does allergic rhinitis differ from chronic sinusitis?
The presence of severe inflammation and irritation with thickened discolored or purulent discharge is indicative of chronic rhinosinusitis. Pale mucosa with clear discharge is suggestive of allergic rhinitis. Diagnostic testing should include both allergy testing and a CT scan of the sinuses.
Can allergic rhinitis cause sinusitis?
The inflammation associated with allergic rhinitis can also sometimes lead to other conditions, such as nasal polyps, sinusitis and middle ear infections.
How do you treat sinusitis and rhinitis?
Treatment
- Saline nasal sprays. Use an over-the-counter nasal saline spray or homemade saltwater solution to flush the nose of irritants and help thin the mucus and soothe the membranes in your nose.
- Corticosteroid nasal sprays.
- Antihistamine nasal sprays.
- Anti-drip anticholinergic nasal sprays.
- Decongestants.
Is rhinosinusitis the same as rhinitis?
In some academic and clinical circles, rhinosinusitis is viewed as the more accurate term for sinusitis because the term illustrates the relationship between the sinuses and nasal passageways more clearly. Keep in mind, though, that rhinosinusitis ≠ rhinitis.
What is the difference between rhinitis and allergic rhinitis?
Occupational rhinitis is triggered by exposure to irritants and allergens. Allergen-related occupational rhinitis clearly is in the allergic rhinitis category, whereas irritant-related occupational rhinitis is better categorized as nonallergic rhinitis.
What is the fastest way to cure rhinitis?
Try these tips to help reduce discomfort and relieve the symptoms of nonallergic rhinitis:
- Rinse your nasal passages. Use a specially designed squeeze bottle — such as the one included in saline kits — a bulb syringe or a neti pot to irrigate your nasal passages.
- Blow your nose.
- Humidify.
- Drink liquids.
Why do I always feel like I have a sinus infection?
Chronic sinusitis can be caused by an infection, growths in the sinuses (nasal polyps) or swelling of the lining of your sinuses. Signs and symptoms may include a blocked or stuffy (congested) nose that causes difficulty breathing through your nose, and pain and swelling around your eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead.
Is it sinusitis or allergic rhinitis?
Two common culprits associated with nasal congestion are allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. Both conditions have symptoms that are similar in the early stages, and medical professionals occasionally struggle to make a proper diagnosis. Over time, differences between the two usually emerge.
What are the diagnostic considerations in patients with sinusitis and rhinitis?
Points to consider in patients with rhinitis and sinusitis: • Not all patients who have nasal symptoms have allergic rhinitis—neoplasm or foreign body could be present. • Unilateral discharge in children is probably a foreign body, but in adults it may be carcinoma. • Unilateral lesions must be biopsied to exclude malignancy.
How is rhinosinusitis associated with other respiratory diseases?
Rhinosinusitis is frequently associated with lower respiratory disease; for example, approximately one third of patients who have bronchiectasis also have chronic sinusitis, and patients who have cystic fibrosis invariably have sinusitis and frequently have nasal polyps develop.
What is the difference between acute and chronic sinusitis?
Acute sinusitis: Inflammation and infection in the sinus cavities lasting fewer than four weeks. Sub-acute sinusitis: Inflammation and infection lasting four to 12 weeks. Chronic sinusitis : Inflammation and infection lasting for more than 12 weeks. Recurrent sinusitis: When a patient experiences four or more episodes a year.