The difference between sinusitis and rhinitis

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 13, 2024
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Rhinitis and sinusitis are common inflammations in our nasal area, frequently occurring and widely prevalent. Rhinitis primarily involves inflammation of the nasal mucosa, while sinusitis specifically refers to inflammation in the sinus cavities and their mucous membranes. These two have different locations of onset. Furthermore, rhinitis is more commonly seen clinically compared to sinusitis, which is less common relative to rhinitis. Moreover, rhinitis is generally treated with medication and seldom requires surgical intervention. In contrast, sinusitis may also require surgical treatment besides medication. Thus, the main differences between them primarily include these aspects. Overall, the fundamental difference between rhinitis and sinusitis lies in their different locations of onset.

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How to prevent seasonal rhinitis

Seasonal rhinitis, also known as allergic rhinitis with seasonal outbreaks, requires the identification of specific allergens for its prevention. This type of rhinitis is caused by allergies to seasonal factors, so it is necessary to visit an allergen testing center at an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) department of a hospital to determine the specific allergens. Then, prior to the season, preventative measures can be taken to avoid contact with these allergens. Medications can be started one or two weeks in advance to alleviate the symptoms of rhinitis. Common medications include anti-allergy nasal steroids and other anti-allergy drugs such as antihistamines and leukotriene antagonists. Nasal steroids are typically administered via nasal spray once or twice a day, and during the prevention period, it can be sprayed once a day.

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Which is more serious, chronic rhinitis or allergic rhinitis?

Chronic rhinitis primarily involves inflammation of the nasal mucosa, submucosal tissues, nasal conchae, tympanic membrane, and even the bones. Allergic disease mainly involves allergic inflammation of the nasal mucosa. There is no clear distinction in severity between chronic rhinitis and allergic rhinitis. If chronic rhinitis tends towards an atrophic progression, then it is relatively serious. Allergic rhinitis, with its recurrent episodes, causes allergic cough and allergic asthma, which also signifies a relatively serious condition. Therefore, both chronic rhinitis and allergic rhinitis require active treatment, rather than distinguishing which one is more severe or which condition is milder. All issues should be actively treated.

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Can chronic rhinitis be cured?

Chronic rhinitis primarily focuses on controlling the condition and relieving symptoms. Current treatment methods mainly involve medication, generally using oral drugs and nasal sprays to improve nasal symptoms. Additionally, physiological saline can be used to rinse the nasal cavity. Overall, most cases can be effectively controlled and alleviated through medication. If the nasal turbinates are particularly enlarged and conservative medical treatment is ineffective, surgical treatment can be considered. However, both medication and surgery mainly aim at control rather than cure. With the existing medical approaches, it is challenging to completely cure chronic rhinitis. Generally, it is considered a common and not particularly severe condition.

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Can rhinitis cause yellow nasal discharge?

Rhinits can cause the discharge of yellow nasal mucus. Rhinits is due to the symptoms in the nasal cavity and overall body caused by bacterial or viral infections when the body's immunity and resistance are low. The patient may experience sudden high fever, with body temperatures above 38.5 degrees Celsius, bilateral nasal congestion that alternates, and yellow purulent discharge from the nasal passages. Upon examination, significant congestion of the bilateral inferior turbinates can be detected, and yellow purulent discharge adhering inside the nasal cavity can be found. In terms of treatment, patients first need to undergo a routine blood test. If there is an increase in white blood cells, bacterial infection should be considered, and oral antibiotics should be administered. If there is an increase in lymphocytes, a viral infection should be considered, and antiviral medications should be taken orally. Additionally, patients should adhere to a light diet, abstain from smoking and alcohol, avoid spicy and irritating foods, drink plenty of water, and rest well for gradual recovery. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Can people with chronic rhinitis smoke?

It is advised not to smoke for chronic rhinitis, as smoking can be irritating to the nasal mucosa, inferior nasal concha, and other structures in the nasal cavity. This is because cigarettes contain a lot of irritating substances that can directly stimulate the nasal mucosa. It can easily trigger an attack of rhinitis or exacerbate existing inflammation, hence smoking is not recommended. It is also suggested to avoid alcohol, keep the nose moist, avoid contact with irritants, and consider using physiological seawater or saline to rinse the nasal cavity. Additionally, treatments can include oral traditional Chinese medicine and nasal spray medications. Generally, it is a common disease that can be effectively controlled and managed with standard treatment. (The use of medication should be under the guidance of a doctor.)