Sinusitis and Rhinitis

When we get a cold, it usually goes away in a week or two. (Read about "Common Cold") But sometimes, symptoms such as stuffiness and irritation don't go away. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI), this can happen when you've got either sinusitis or rhinitis. Both are respiratory conditions involve inflammation. (Read about "Respiratory System") Both conditions are also quite common, with an estimated 40 million people suffering from them every year, according to the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).

Rhinitis

Rhinitis is an inflammation of the nose. Symptoms of rhinitis often include sneezing, congestion and runny nose. These sound like the symptoms of a cold. But the difference is that a cold will go away in about ten days, whereas the symptoms of rhinitis persist.

AAAAI says there are two types of rhinitis:

• Allergic rhinitis - Allergic rhinitis is caused by allergens or substances that trigger allergies, such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander and mold. (Read about "Pollen Allergies" "Dust Allergies" "Animal Dander" "Mold Allergies") Allergic rhinitis involves the human immune response. (Read about "The Immune System")
• Non-allergic rhinitis - Non-allergic rhinitis does not involve the immune system. It is triggered by irritants such as pollution, smoke or fumes. Symptoms can also be triggered by structural abnormalities, nasal growths or polyps or thyroid problems. (Read about "Thyroid")

If you have allergic rhinitis, an allergist/immunologist can help determine which specific allergens are triggering your illness. (Read about "Allergies") If you do not have allergies, a doctor will check for other issues, such as polyps, which will then need to be treated.

AAAI says treatment options to relieve the symptoms of rhinitis include:

• Antihistamines - These counter the effects of histamine, which is released during an allergic reaction. (Read about "Allergies") Because of how they work, antihistamines help to relieve the sneezing and itching symptoms. Many antihistamines can produce drowsiness. There are also less sedating antihistamines, but the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) says some of these can have serious side effects, particularly if they are taken with certain other drugs, so always discuss this with your doctor.
• Topical nasal steroids -These are anti-inflammatory drugs that can reduce mucus secretion and nasal swelling. Ask your doctor about side effects.
• Decongestants (oral or nasal) - These may be used also, though not for more than a few days, since longer use can lead to even more congestion and swelling of the nasal passages. Again, talk this over with your doctor.

AAAI stresses that over-the-counter nose sprays should not be used for more than three consecutive days, as this can make symptoms even worse in the long-term. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also stress that many cases of rhinitis do not involve bacterial infection and therefore will not respond to antibiotics. (Read about "Antibiotics")

Sinusitis

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses, which are hollow airspaces located within the skull surrounding the nose. Because the sinuses are connected to the nasal passages, anything that causes a swelling in the nose can also affect the sinuses.

AAAAI says that there are two types of sinusitis:

• Acute sinusitis - This is often the result of an infection. The infection can be from a virus. It can also result from bacteria. (Read about "Microorganisms") A bacterial infection can occur as a complication of a cold, because if the cold causes nasal passages to clog, the sinuses get clogged too and over time, this can create a breeding ground for bacteria. (Read about "The Common Cold")
• Chronic sinusitis - This can be the result of infection or allergies (Read about "Allergies"), according to AAAAI, but very often, it is the result of chronic inflammatory problems or structural problems with the sinuses. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) also says that chronic sinusitis can be triggered by exposure to air pollution, alcohol, chlorine in swimming pools and air pressure changes.

Symptoms of sinusitis include a painful pressure inside the head, known as a sinus headache. There can also be thick nasal discharge, fever, congestion, tiredness and a sore throat.

Whatever the initial cause, sinusitis needs to be treated or complications can result. NIAID says that on rare occasions sinusitis can result in a brain infection and even death. If someone is experiencing chronic sinusitis, they should seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause, because tumors or polyps in the sinuses could be one of the reasons. (Read about "Head and Neck Cancers")

Treatment of sinusitis depends on the original cause of the inflammation. Treatment options include:

• Medications - If you have acute sinusitis, NIAID says your doctor may recommend pain relievers. Decongestants may also be used to reduce congestion and the swelling of the nose. You should, however, use over-the-counter or prescription decongestant nose drops and sprays for only few days; NIAID says that if you use these medicines for longer periods, they can lead to even more congestion and swelling of your nasal passages.
• Antibiotics - If your doctor determines that there is a bacterial infection present, you may also be given antibiotics. (Read about "Antibiotics")
• Air filters - If the cause is an allergy issue, NIAID says air filters can help.
• Endoscopic surgery - This procedure involves the insertion of an endoscope, a thin fiber-optic tube, into the nose. (Read about "Endoscopy") With the endoscope, doctors can examine the sinuses as well as remove abnormal and obstructive tissues. The American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) says that in most cases, the surgical procedure is performed entirely through the nostrils, leaving no external scars. AAO-HNS says the advantage of the procedure is that the surgery is less extensive and there is often less removal of normal tissues. This type of surgery can often be performed on an outpatient basis.
• Balloon endoscopic surgery - A procedure using a thin balloon similar to an angioplasty balloon (Read about "Angioplasty") can open the sinus passages and provide easier breathing. In many cases, no tissue is removed. This procedure may also provide relief for sinus headaches.

If the cause of the sinusitis is a problem such as tumors, polyps or structural issues such as deviated septum, surgery to repair those underlying conditions would be required.

Related Information:

    Headaches

    Migraine Headaches

    Tension Headaches

    Cluster Headaches

    Respiratory System

    Primary Immunodeficiency

    Asthma