The difference between allergic rhinitis and sinusitis is the easiest to distinguish

The common difference between allergic rhinitis and sinusitis is that the causes are different. In many cases, sinusitis is caused by a cold. If sinusitis is not treated in time, it will continue to worsen. The methods for treating allergic rhinitis and sinusitis are also different. Patients should go to a regular hospital for treatment.

1. Experts say that allergies are usually caused by the body's immune system overreacting to some unidentified dangers, such as pollen. The body's cells protect themselves by releasing a chemical called histamine. But histamine can cause symptoms such as coughing, sneezing and runny nose. Sinusitis can be caused by a cold, allergies, or a virus. All of these causes can lead to sinus inflammation. If left untreated, sinusitis can last for weeks or months, or in severe cases, for years.

2. Seasonal allergies and sinusitis share some of the same symptoms , such as nasal congestion, nasal fluid leaking out or flowing into the throat, headaches, and pain in the sinus area. Additionally, people with seasonal allergies are more likely to develop sinus infections than those without allergies. Therefore, it is difficult for patients with seasonal allergies to tell whether they have seasonal allergies or are also experiencing sinusitis symptoms. However, experts say there are some key differences that can help people distinguish between seasonal allergies and sinusitis.

For example, you can first check the color and texture of the mucus secreted by your nasal cavity. If it is seasonal allergies, the mucus secreted is usually thinner and transparent or pale white in color. But if you have sinusitis, the mucus secreted from your nasal cavity will be thicker, cloudy in color, and have a foul odor.

3. In addition, the histamine released in response to allergic reactions can also affect other parts of the human body . Therefore, patients with seasonal allergies may also experience symptoms that sinusitis patients do not have, such as tearing and itching of the eyes, itchy skin, etc. Sinusitis patients may experience symptoms not often seen with seasonal allergies, such as toothaches or pain between the eyes. When these symptoms occur, they usually indicate a sinus infection rather than an allergic reaction.

4. From the perspective of treatment, there are also some differences between the two . For example, people with seasonal allergies can often relieve their symptoms with antihistamines. For patients with sinusitis, once diagnosed, they need to rest, drink plenty of water, and take medication. Experts recommend that patients with sinusitis should use saline to clean their noses, which can not only prevent further viral infection, but also keep the inflamed sinus tissue moist. If necessary, you can also take analgesics, antibiotics and nasal decongestants. However, experts warn that if sinusitis patients are not treated in time, their condition may develop into a serious one, and then they will need surgical treatment.

5. In summary , when we diagnose a patient with allergic rhinitis and the treatment response is not as expected, we must pay attention to the possibility of concurrent sinusitis. In contrast, many studies have pointed out that the rate of allergic rhinitis among patients with sinusitis is much higher than that of the general population. Therefore, when you suffer from allergic rhinitis or sinusitis, do not ignore the close relationship between the two to make the treatment more successful.