Dec. 6, 2024 | Almost everyone knows what it feels like to have a runny or stuffed-up nose. Often these symptoms are accompanied by a headache in the area around the eyes, nose and temples. They are signs of rhinitis and sinusitis, two very common medical problems. It is estimated that up to 40 million American adults and children have one or both of these conditions. Rhinitis, or hay fever, happens when you breathe in something to which you are allergic or is irritating, and the inside of your nose becomes inflamed and swollen. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the lining inside the sinuses. When the sinuses become blocked and fill with fluid, germs can grow and cause symptoms such as headache and nasal yellowish secretions. Blocked sinuses can be caused by the common cold, hay fever or nasal polyps. Rhinitis and sinusitis are linked to each other because rhinitis causes your nose to become blocked, and in turn blocks the sinuses.

Dec. 6, 2024 | The word rhinitis simply means “inflammation of the nose.” The nose normally produces fluid called mucus. This fluid is normally thin and clear and helps to keep dust, debris and allergens out of the lungs. Mucus traps particles like dust and pollen as well as bacteria and viruses. Normally, mucus drains down the back of the throat, but you’re not aware of it due to its relatively small amount and thin consistency. But when the nose becomes irritated, it may produce more mucus, which becomes thick and pale yellow. The mucus may begin to flow from the front of the nose as well as the back. Substances in the mucus may irritate the back of the throat and cause coughing. This increased mucus draining down the throat is called postnasal drip. Rhinitis is classified as either allergic or non-allergic, with the allergic variety triggered by allergens such as pollen, pet dander and mold. Strong odors and other irritants may cause symptoms of non-allergic rhinitis.

Dec. 6, 2024 | Because there are two forms of rhinitis, allergic and non-allergic, it is important to determine exactly which one you have in order to control the symptoms. Avoiding the allergens you are allergic to is the best way to reduce your symptoms if you have allergic rhinitis. Some medications for allergic rhinitis are best used daily to control inflammation and prevent symptoms, while others are used only as needed to relieve symptoms. Nasal corticosteroid sprays can control inflammation and reduce all symptoms, including itching, sneezing, runny nose and stuffiness. Allergy shots may be considered if your symptoms are constant, if you don’t want to take medications or if you want long-term control of your allergies with less need for medications. As for non-allergic rhinitis, the treatment of choice is nasal corticosteroid sprays. Ipratropium nasal spray can relieve a runny nose while decongestant pills can be used to relieve nasal stuffiness.

Dec. 6, 2024 | Sinuses are empty cavities within your cheek bones, around your eyes and behind your nose. Their main job is to warm, moisten and filter air in your nasal cavity. If you have a stuffy nose, sinus pressure and cough that lasts longer than one or two weeks, you may have more than a cold. Sinusitis is a swelling of one or more of your nasal sinuses and nasal passages. You may experience pressure around your nose, eyes or forehead, a stuffy nose, thick, discolored nasal drainage, head congestion, ear fullness or a headache. The symptoms may also include a toothache, tiredness and, occasionally, a fever. Most acute cases of sinusitis start as a regular cold from the common cold viruses and then become a bacterial infection. Problems with the structure of your nose, such as narrow drainage passages, tumors or a shifted nasal septum, the bone and cartilage that separate the right from the left nostrils, can also cause sinusitis.

Dec. 6, 2024 | Treating a sinus infection, also known as sinusitis, typically requires a mix of therapies. The first step is to unblock the nasal passages. This allows proper drainage of the sinuses, which helps flush out a bacterial infection. If a bacterial infection is present, your doctor will carefully select an appropriate antibiotic to combat it. Nasal steroid sprays are often helpful to decrease inflammation but they can lead to damage of the nasal lining. In order to help alleviate some of the symptoms, your doctor may also suggest nasal lavage with warm salt water or breathing in hot steam through the nose for 10 to 15 minutes three to four times a day to make you more comfortable. If you have allergies and repeated bouts of sinusitis, avoid exposure to the things that trigger your allergies. And keep your doctor informed of your symptoms. Together you can devise a plan of action to take before a minor case of sinusitis turns into a bigger problem.