How healthy are you?
Take our quick quiz to discover just how healthy your immune system is, as well as some useful information about your general health and wellbeing!
Check nowSuffering from symptoms like a blocked nose but unsure of the exact cause? To help you work out what the problem could be, in this blog I take a look at both allergic rhinitis and sinusitis and explain the similarities and differences between the two.
There is significant overlap between sinusitis and allergic rhinitis so, to help you distinguish between each one, this blog covers:
Allergic rhinitis occurs when the immune system overreacts to allergens like pollen or animal dander.
A chemical called histamine is released which can lead to an array of symptoms like itchy eyes, a sore throat and a runny nose. It also prompts the mucous membranes to produce more mucus in order to trap and wash out allergens. In addition, the presence of histamine causes the body to increase blood flow to certain areas of the skin, thus promoting inflammation.
If you breathe allergens in, it can also cause the sinuses to become inflamed and painful.
Key features of allergic rhinitis include:
Sinusitis occurs when the sinuses become swollen, usually as the result of a viral or bacterial infection. Swelling causes mucus and pressure to build, thus preventing mucus from being drained properly. This can cause a blocked nose, as well as other symptoms including headaches and fever.
There are two pairs of sinuses, both of which can become infected. This can be a recurrent or temporary issue - as the result of a cold or flu, for example, or an allergy.
Key features of sinusitis include:
Sinusitis and allergic rhinitis have a few things in common so it can be difficult to distinguish which you may be suffering from. Here, I have outlined the similarities and differences to make this slightly clearer.
Similarities:
Differences:
In some cases, allergies can trigger a sinus infection. This is because the body's reaction to an allergen can cause the sinuses to swell, thus meaning bacteria or pathogens become trapped and trigger an infection.
Menopausal women can be more at risk of allergies and sinusitis as they tend to have thinner, drier mucous membranes.
Pollution is also known to make allergic rhinitis more likely and more severe. This means city-dwellers, who are exposed to more pollutants and irritants, could be more likely to experience both problems.
Other than this, anyone with high histamine production or a history of respiratory tract infections are at risk of allergic rhinitis and sinusitis symptoms.
There is some overlap in terms of treatments for these conditions, as well as a few distinct differences.
Both:
Allergic rhinitis:
Sinusitis:
If concerned about either of these issues, ask your doctor for advice. It is important you don't self-diagnose so you can find the most effective treatment as quickly as possible.
You should also see a doctor if symptoms haven't improved after a week, if symptoms get worse or if medications/treatments don't work.
Looking for a treatment to help relief the symptoms of sinusitis such as nasal congestion and catarrh?
“This really helped my husband when he was dealing with blocked sinus problem which nothing else had fixed. His sinus problem was cleared in a couple of days after using the product.” Linda Buckham, Eastbourne
To find local independent stores in your area that sell Sinuforce Nasal Spray, simply type your postcode below.
Take our quick quiz to discover just how healthy your immune system is, as well as some useful information about your general health and wellbeing!
Check nowStay up to date with the latest pollen information by finding your local pollen forecast from over 30,000 locations across the UK.
Get your local pollen count nowWhat you drink can have a big impact on the extent of your allergic rhinitis symptoms. From herbal teas to fruit juices find out which could help you most.
8 tasty drinks that could help allergic rhinitisDiscover the story of Alfred VogelNature is just about the best thing we’ve got!