Rhinitis
vs. Sinusitis - What’s the Difference?
We may hear our doctor
use the term “rhinitis” for inflammations of the nasal
passages.
It is more related to allergies than sinus infections.
Although the condition called
“acute rhino sinusitis” can be another name for chronic
sinusitis, there are two types of rhinitis which can occur outside
of sinus infections: allergic rhinitis and non-allergic rhinitis.
These are related to either common allergies or environmental irritants.
“Histamines”,
the element found all over nature in plant and animal tissue, can
be the cause of rhinitis reactions, unlike sinusitis which stems
from viral, fungal or bacterial infection (although one may cause
a person to be prone to the other as well).
Allergic Rhinitis
Seasonal allergic rhinitis is caused by outdoor allergens such as
freshly cut grass or pollen from blooming plants. We commonly know
it as “hay fever.”
Perennial allergic rhinitis comes from indoor allergens such as
household mold, animal dander (fur, hair or less commonly feathers),
dust mite excretions and insect particles.
Symptoms:
- Sneezing
- Stuffy nose and/or runny nose
- Sinus pressure, pain or throbbing in cheeks
or nose
- Itching in the nose, roof of the mouth, throat,
eyes and ears
(For allergy relief, see VÄXA’s
Aller-Sine page.)
(Food allergies can contribute
to allergic rhinitis but more typically have the reaction of itchy
ears and throat, swollen eyes and lips or skin rashes.)
Non-Allergic Rhinitis
This can be a constriction, inflammation
or polyps (small benign growths) in the nasal passages which lead
to many of the same symptoms plus sensitivity to, or caused by,
strong chemical or smoky environments. Runny nose and stuffiness
often appear simultaneously which seems like a contradiction. Other
causes of non-allergic rhinitis can be long-term use of some medications
or dependency on nasal sprays.
Solutions
The most common solution is over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines
which block the histamine “receptors” in our bodies.
These, too, should not be over-used. Recently, several producers
of antihistamines containing ingredients like Pseudo-ephedrine were
asked to take them out of their medicines, or move them behind the
pharmacy counter because they were found to be habit-forming and
used in producing illegal drugs.
Both forms of rhinitis can sometimes
be helped by nasal sprays or injections of corticosteroids to reduce
the symptoms. Long-term use of spray corticosteroids can have the
backlash of causing irritation, burning and sores in the nose and
making the membranes dependent on them so they will not function
properly on their own.
The injected form, less often
used on nasal conditions, is known to result in increased blood
pressure, disposition to osteoporosis, adverse effects on diabetes,
and other symptoms have been reported.
VÄXA's Natural Allergy
Medication, Aller-Sine, can help
alleviate rhinitis problems. Keeping certain things out of your
diet, controlling your environment
link to Living Free – Lifestyle page when possible, and doing
other things mentioned on our Homeopathic and Natural
Remedies for Sinus Infections page could help.
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