While it may sound unpleasant, comparing the color and type of mucus is another way to help determine what’s causing your nasal congestion. Over time, differences between the two usually emerge. Rhinitis is irritation and inflammation of the mucous membrane inside the nose. Itchy nose, sneezing, and associated itchy, watery eyes are more common with allergic rhinitis or allergies. It can be difficult to distinguish the two, especially during the colder months. If you're confused about the difference between rhinitis and sinusitis, you're not alone. An allergist would be the appropriate doctor to treat both allergic rhinitis and acute or chronic sinusitis. However, some people require allergen immunotherapy to get adequate relief. Those with symptoms that subside in less than 4 weeks have acute sinusitis. Individuals with sinusitis need to … The symptoms of allergic rhinitis can sometimes be controlled by taking medications, such as an antihistamine or nasal spray, or distancing oneself from the allergen. Allergic rhinitis occurs when the body’s immune system views harmless airborne particles as a hazard – prompting the body to release histamine and other mediators that cause an allergic response. Sinus congestion and inflammation due to allergic rhinitis can sometimes allow sinusitis to develop. Key Difference – Sinusitis vs Rhinosinusitis The inflammation of the paranasal sinuses is known as sinusitis. Filed Under: Diseases Tagged With: allergic rhinitis, Compare Rhinitis and Sinusitis, rhinitis, Rhinitis and Sinusitis difference, Rhinitis Cause, Rhinitis characteristics, Rhinitis definition, Rhinitis Symptoms, Rhinitis vs.Sinusitis, Sinusitis, Sinusitis Cause, Sinusitis characteristics, Sinusitis classification, Sinusitis definition, Sinusitis Symptoms, thanks I now know the difference between rhinitis and sinusitis. However, some people require allergen immunotherapy to get adequate relief. In some cases, the infection is bacterial and antibiotics are a solution. Sinusitis: In sinusitis, the structure of the nasal cavity contributes to the duration of recovery and the chance of recurrences. Sinusitis definition. Searching the internet, you'll find that rhinitis and sinusitis are used interchangeably. We offer telehealth and virtual visits! Please click here for practice updates due to the novel coronavirus illness, COVID-19. Allergic rhinitis stems from allergen exposure and sinusitis typically comes from a virus. There usually isn’t one. Sinusitis rarely occurs without a preceding episode of rhinitis.Because of this concurrence and the interrelationship between sinusitis and rhinitis, nowadays clinicians refer to sinusitis as rhinosinusitis. Two common culprits associated with nasal congestion are allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Copyright © 2010-2018 Difference Between. Rhinitis: Rhinitis is the irritation and inflammation of the mucous membrane inside the nose. Sinusitis: Sinusitis usually has more severe symptoms and take longer duration for recovery. Most cases of sinusitis are due to a viral infection. Sphenoidal – can cause pain or pressure behind the eyes, but often occurs in skull vertex (top of the head), over the mastoid processes, or the back of the head. Allergic rhinitis is the most common chronic allergic disease in children and accounts for 50 percent of childhood rhinitis. It is estimated that sinusitis affects 31 million patients annually in the United States. Chronic sinusitis – When the signs and symptoms last for more than 12 weeks. The generation of large amounts of mucus, post-nasal drip, a runny nose and/or stuffy nose are the most common symptoms. The major difference between rhinitis and sinusitis is that rhinitis alone will not produce pain and pressure in the sinus cavities. Rhinitis and sinusitis are among the most common medical conditions and are frequently associated. Acute sinusitis – A new infection that may last up to four weeks, Recurrent acute sinusitis – Four or more separate episodes of acute sinusitis that occur within one year, Subacute sinusitis – An infection that lasts between four and 12 weeks, and represents a transition between acute and chronic infection. Both conditions refer to inflammation, rhinitis is inflammation of the nasal cavity (just inside your nose); while sinusitis is inflammation The key difference between Rhinitis and Sinusitis is that Rhinitis is irritation and inflammation of the mucous membrane inside the nose while Sinusitis is the inflammation of the sinuses, which are the air filled bony cavities located inside the facial bones. In Western societies an estimated 10% to 25% of the population have allergic rhinitis, with 30 to 60 million persons being affected annually in the United States. To distinguish between the two conditions, take note of the distinct symptoms. It significantly affects the child’s quality of life, and may worsen asthma , ear infections , eczema and sinusitis. Sinus congestion and inflammation due to allergic rhinitis can sometimes allow sinusitis to develop. Sinusitis: Sinusitis is the inflammation of the sinuses, which are the air filled bony cavities located inside the facial bones. The two most common types of sinusitis are viral and bacterial. When mast cells degranulate, histamine and other chemicals are released, starting an inflammatory process. Viral or bacterial infections of the sinus cavities can cause irritation and inflammation, hindering the drainage of mucus. 10 (2 reviews) Rate this page. Persistent yellow or green nasal discharge in large amounts may be an indicator of sinusitis. When you start sneezing and your nose starts running, is it allergies or a sinus infection? 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