Allergic rhinitis and sinusitis are related conditions that affect the nose and sinuses. Allergic rhinitis is an allergic reaction inside the nose caused by pollen, dust, mold, or animal dander. Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, postnasal drip, watery and itchy eyes, nose, and throat, a long-lasting cough, pressure in the ears, and dark circles under the eyes.
For allergic rhinitis, you should keep windows closed at night, minimize early morning outdoor activity, keep car windows closed while traveling, stay indoors when the pollen count or humidity is high, and take prescribed medication regularly. Avoid being around freshly cut grass, raking leaves, hanging sheets or clothing out to dry, and overwatering indoor plants if you are allergic to mold.
Persistent exposure to infection or allergens can lead to polyp formation, sinusitis, and ear infections. Sinusitis is characterized by symptoms such as a cold that doesn’t improve after 10 days, nasal discharge, nasal blockage, and symptoms that alternate between getting better and worse.
Sinuses are air-filled cavities in the bones of the face that connect to the nose through small openings. Sinusitis occurs when the sinuses become infected or inflamed. During a cold, bacteria and viruses can infect the sinuses, causing swelling of the sinus walls and blocking the narrow openings. This leads to the accumulation of mucus or pus in the sinuses, resulting in symptoms of sinusitis.
Acute sinusitis occurs when symptoms last less than four weeks, while chronic sinusitis is diagnosed when symptoms persist for more than 12 weeks. Symptoms of sinusitis include nasal congestion, facial pain or pressure, thickened nasal drainage, loss of smell, and symptoms that do not improve within 10 days.
.Treatment for acute sinusitis usually involves pain relief, steroid nasal sprays, and saline nasal irrigation. Antibiotics may be prescribed in cases of acute bacterial sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis, often associated with allergies or inflammation, requires saltwater nasal irrigation, nasal steroid sprays, and management of underlying conditions like nasal polyps and asthma. Surgery, such as functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) or balloon sinus ostial dilation (BSOD), may be recommended for chronic sinusitis if conservative treatments are ineffective or in severe cases.
It is important to consult an ENT specialist, for proper diagnosis and treatment options. X-rays or CT scans may be performed to assess the condition. Post-surgery, continued use of nasal sprays and adherence to the ENT specialist’s advice are crucial for optimal results.