Rhinitis is an umbrella term for nose, eye, and throat symptoms caused by allergies or the common cold, while sinusitis is a bacterial infection that causes pain and pressure in the sinuses. Rhinitis can lead to sinusitis, but it does not produce pain and pressure in the sinus cavities. Surgery may be necessary for severe chronic sinusitis, but not for rhinitis.
There are many differences between rhinitis and sinusitis. The main difference is in the pathology of these conditions. Rhinitis is not a disease or illness in itself, but is an umbrella term for symptoms involving the nose, eyes and throat. This may be due to seasonal allergies or the common cold. Sinusitis, commonly called a sinus infection, is a disease that causes pain and pressure in the sinuses, typically caused by a bacterial infection.
It is possible to suffer from both conditions at the same time, as one set of symptoms may coincide with the other. For example, rhinitis refers to symptoms such as stuffy or runny nose, watery eyes, and scratchy throat. These symptoms can also be present with a sinus infection.
A respiratory infection such as the common cold or the flu can cause rhinitis symptoms and lead to a secondary infection such as bronchitis or sinusitis. A cold that persists for a long time can cause extreme nasal congestion and swollen nasal passages. Over days to weeks, swollen nasal passages that aren’t able to drain properly can allow pathogens to thrive. The mucus can become a breeding ground for bacteria and subsequently cause a sinus infection.
Although often caused by a bacterial infection, sinusitis can also be present without infection. Allergic sinusitis causes swelling and inflammation, mostly in the sinus cavities. This leads to pressure and pain in the sinus region, which can be acute or chronic.
Sinusitis sufferers may feel pressure above the eyes or below the sockets. Pressure and pain may also be felt around the eye sockets and bridge of the nose. The main difference between rhinitis and sinusitis is that rhinitis by itself will not produce pain and pressure in the sinus cavities.
Individuals with sinusitis should narrow the swollen sinus passages and allow for proper drainage. This can be done with the use of an oral decongestant or other methods. Steam therapy is helpful for many sinus patients. In some severe cases of chronic sinusitis, surgery may be needed. The surgery needed is one of the main differences between rhinitis and sinusitis.
Surgery for sinusitis can be done as an outpatient procedure and involves a procedure known as a synoscopy. This endoscopic sinus procedure helps unclog blocked maxillary and frontal sinus passages, allowing for freer breathing. This minimally invasive procedure does not cut the bone or surrounding sinus tissue.
Surgery is a major differentiator between rhinitis and sinusitis. This is because rhinitis symptoms will never need endoscopic surgery unless sinusitis is a cause. Symptoms of rhinitis usually go away on their own, without permanent or long-lasting complications.
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