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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