Did you know the difference between rhinitis and sinusitis? Both are common respiratory diseases and cause almost similar symptoms. But they are not the same. They are caused by different factors, and their treatment options are also different. Sometimes rhinitis can also cause sinus infection. So, it is important to know the difference. Read this article to learn about the difference between rhinitis and sinusitis. Talk to our specialist for infectious diseases if you have any concerns.

Differences between rhinitis and sinusitis

Many people struggle to differentiate between rhinitis and sinusitis because their symptoms often overlap, however, their treatment is different. You need to know the difference between rhinitis and sinusitis for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Definitions

Rhinitis, also known as allergic rhinitis, occurs when the body’s immune system reacts to allergens in the environment and causes different symptoms. These allergens can occur in the environment during particular seasons of the year (seasonal allergies or hay fever). However, some people experience chronic rhinitis because of the allergens present in the environment all year long. One reason that people confuse rhinitis with sinusitis is that allergic rhinitis causes congestion and inflammation which can sometimes cause sinus inflammation.

Compared to rhinitis, sinusitis or sinus infection occurs when the lining of the sinuses gets inflamed due to an infection caused by viruses, bacteria, or in rare cases fungus. It can also be either acute or chronic. Acute sinusitis can last 2 to 4 weeks, whereas chronic sinusitis can last more than 12 weeks (about 3 months), or frequent sinusitis infections can recur several times a year. However, unlike rhinitis, sinusitis that is caused by a virus (not by bacteria or fungus) is contagious.

Causes

Rhinitis causes

Rhinitis is caused by allergies, which can be seasonal (hay fever) or year-round (involving indoor allergens). The most common allergens that cause rhinitis are:

• Pollen
• Mold
• Animal dander
• Household dust mites

If your symptoms happen at a particular time of year and worsen when you go outside, then pollen is the cause. If your symptoms exist all year round and worsen indoors, then you’re allergic to something that is in your house or building. You can narrow it down by understanding when/where your symptoms get worse to narrow it down. You can also take tests to find what you are allergic to. Another way to find if your symptoms are allergies is to take an over-the-counter antihistamine, if your symptoms get better, then you have certain allergies.

Some other causes of rhinitis include conditions with lowered immunity (like pregnancy, and menstruation), colds, dust or other irritants, medication, sudden temperature changes, cold, dry air, exercise, alcohol consumption, or hot/spicy food (gustatory rhinitis).

Sinusitis causes

Compared to rhinitis, sinusitis is caused by viral or bacterial infection, rarely by fungus as well. Viral sinusitis gets better on its own and lasts no longer than 7 to 10 days (about 1 and a half weeks). Bacterial sinusitis often requires antibiotics to get better. If sinusitis lasts more than 10 days (about 1 and a half weeks) or if you have persistent fever, you should seek medical attention because these signs are caused by bacteria which can be serious if not addressed early.

Chronic sinusitis occurs due to an infection when growths in the sinus (nasal polyps) or swelling in the sinus lining occur. This can last more than 3 months or may recur several times in a year. It might not cause fever, but lowers the sense of smell and taste, and causes pain in the ear, upper jaw, or teeth. You’re also more at risk of chronic sinusitis if you have a deviated nasal septum, cystic fibrosis, or HIV.

Symptoms

The majority of symptoms of rhinitis or sinusitis overlap like – stuffy nose (but mucus in rhinitis is typically clear while mucus in sinusitis is green or yellow) and fatigue. Here are some differences between their symptoms:

Sinusitis symptoms

• Pressure and pain on the mouth and face.
• Chronic cough.
• Bad breath.
• Low-grade fever.

Rhinitis symptoms

• Runny nose.
• Red, itchy, or watery eyes.
• Rash around the nose.

The onset of symptoms also varies between rhinitis and sinusitis. Rhinitis symptoms occur immediately after getting exposed to allergens. Whereas sinusitis symptoms occur within 1 to 2 weeks after getting exposed to a contagious individual or source.

Rhinitis symptoms disappear after allergens are no longer present in their environment. Whereas, depending on the severity of the infection, sinusitis symptoms can last 4 to 12 weeks (about 3 months) or longer.

Treatment

Treatment options for rhinitis and sinusitis are quite different.

Rhinitis treatment

Mostly rhinitis is caused by allergies, treatment involves testing what you’re allergic to. Once found, it is recommended to avoid the substance or thing that you’re allergic to. To manage mild allergic rhinitis, the doctor may recommend over-the-counter antihistamines. In severe cases, the doctor gives a steroid injection to manage your symptoms. In case you can’t avoid the triggers, your doctor may recommend immunotherapy or allergen shots, which can also be taken in the form of sublingual lozenges, especially, if you’re allergic to certain things. Over time you may develop tolerance to your triggers and can discontinue your therapy.
Other causes of rhinitis usually occur when your allergies go away. Treatment can vary for these causes. For example, for gustatory rhinitis, the best treatment is to avoid foods that trigger its symptoms. Other treatments for non-allergic rhinitis may include nasal saline to clean your nose, exercise, or elevating your head when you sleep.

Sinusitis treatment

Depending on the severity and infection of your condition, your treatment varies. Acute sinusitis that is caused by the virus usually doesn’t need treatment. However, sinusitis that lasts more than 10 days (about 1 and a half weeks) and comes with a persistent fever is generally caused by bacteria and needs to be treated with antibiotics. Chronic sinusitis needs to be managed with treatment like antibiotics, nasal irrigation, or topical corticosteroids to lower inflammation.

In case your sinusitis is linked with allergies, then you should see an allergist to get tested and treat your rhinitis to lower your sinus infection. In rare cases, an endoscopic sinus surgery is performed to remove a blockage to make sinuses drain properly. Balloon sinuplasty is another technique used by the doctor to insert a small balloon up the nose and expand it to clear the blockage.

Rhinitis and sinusitis are common respiratory conditions; rhinitis is caused by allergens while sinusitis is caused by infections. Similarly, some symptoms overlap but the onset and duration are different. Moreover, treatment options are very different for both conditions. Rhinitis can be treated by over-the-counter medications whereas sinuses can get better on their own or need antibiotics when caused by bacterial infection. In severe cases, rhinitis is managed by steroid injections, sinusitis is treated by different treatment options, or surgery is recommended.

Need help with infectious diseases, visit our infectious disease specialists in Brooklyn clinic to get professional medical help. Call us to book your appointment now to improve your condition!!!!!

Visit our team of Specialists for infectious diseases at Doral Health & Wellness on 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212. We also offer other services, such as vaccinations, immunizations, and blood testing. Call us on 13473845690 to get a consultation from our clinic or log on to https://doralhw.org/.