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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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
49sec home-news-image

Does nasal irrigation work for chronic rhinitis?

Patients with chronic rhinitis can benefit from nasal irrigation as it is effective in treatment, and some patients may experience particularly good results. Nasal irrigation helps reduce the retention of secretions in the nasal cavity, improves clinical symptoms, and can also help reduce the likelihood of acute flare-ups of chronic rhinitis. However, the specific treatment outcomes can vary among individuals, and some patients may still need to combine the treatment with medications. Common medications include oral drugs and nasal spray medications. Following this comprehensive treatment approach, most patients will gradually see their condition controlled and alleviated. However, it is currently difficult to completely cure chronic rhinitis, as it tends to recur. (Please take medications under the guidance of a professional physician.)

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
1min 7sec home-news-image

What anti-inflammatory medication should be taken for rhinitis?

Rhinitis refers to the inflammation of the nasal mucosa. Currently, nasal mucosa inflammation can be acute, chronic, allergic, or atrophic. These inflammations require appropriate treatment, but do not require the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, as current anti-inflammatory drugs mainly refer to antibiotics, which are not necessary for these types of rhinitis. Clinically, some nasal spray medications are primarily used, such as some corticosteroid hormones, which have anti-inflammatory effects; saline solutions with high osmolarity can also be used to cleanse and rinse the nasal cavity. Oral medications can include some traditional Chinese medicine preparations, such as Biyan Tongqiao granules and Xiangju tablets, etc. For allergic rhinitis, some antiallergic drugs such as loratadine can be used for antiallergic treatment. In summary, there is no need to use antibiotic anti-inflammatory drugs. (Please use medicine under the guidance of a doctor to avoid indiscriminate use.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Causes of Seasonal Rhinitis

Seasonal rhinitis, also known as allergic rhinitis, is considered an autoimmune disease, and its onset may be related to genetic factors. If direct relatives have allergic rhinitis, the likelihood of developing allergic rhinitis is relatively higher. Some patients are also related to environmental factors, such as frequent exposure to dust, pollen, and seafood, which also increases the likelihood of triggering allergic rhinitis. Clinical symptoms are numerous, with common ones including repeated itchy nose, runny clear nasal discharge, and sneezing. In terms of treatment, oral medications and nasal spray medications for anti-allergy treatment are commonly used, and regular follow-ups are needed to observe the effects. (Medication use should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What is the best treatment for chronic rhinitis?

There are quite a few treatment options for chronic rhinitis, which are mainly divided into two categories clinically. The first category is conservative medicinal treatment, and the second is surgical treatment. Based on existing clinical experience, the preferred approach is to primarily use conservative treatment, most commonly oral medications, generally focusing on traditional Chinese medicines. It is also recommended to use nasal sprays alongside, and consider using saline or seawater for nasal washes, which need to be performed regularly. If standardized medication treatment proves ineffective, surgery is considered, mainly for cases where the enlargement of the nasal turbinates is particularly significant. Surgical options may include turbinate ablation or a partial excision of the moved portion of the inferior turbinate. Overall, with standardized treatment, most patients can effectively control and alleviate their symptoms.

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Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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How to relieve chronic rhinitis

Chronic rhinitis mainly refers to the inflammation of the nasal mucosa and submucosa, which may be related to allergic states, bacterial infections, viral infections, and environmental factors, as well as the patient's diet and lifestyle habits. Traditional Chinese medicine considers this a manifestation of excessive heat or internal heat. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid catching a cold, smoking, drinking alcohol, staying up late, and consuming spicy or stimulating food. Drinking plenty of water and eating foods that are cooling and slightly bitter may help. Under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist, the use of antihistamines and traditional Chinese medicines for clearing heat and detoxifying can be beneficial. Applying glucocorticoid nasal sprays may also help. Generally, such treatments can alleviate or cure the condition.