In the field of nasal diseases, allergic rhinitis and sinusitis are like two "troublemakers" that often make patients suffer. Many people find it difficult to distinguish whether they have allergic rhinitis or sinusitis when they experience nasal discomfort. After all, there are many similarities between the two in symptoms, such as nasal congestion and runny nose. However, they are two essentially different diseases, with significant differences in pathogenesis, symptom characteristics, diagnosis methods and treatment methods. Accurately distinguishing between the two is crucial to effectively relieve symptoms and restore nasal health.
Pathogenesis: The battle between immune abnormalities and inflammatory infections
Allergic rhinitis: "misjudgment" of the immune system
Allergic rhinitis stems from abnormal reactions of the immune system. When people with allergic constitutions come into contact with allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, animal hair, etc., the immune system will identify them as harmful substances and then activate defense mechanisms. Immune cells release inflammatory mediators such as histamine, which causes nasal mucosal blood vessels to dilate, increase permeability, and exuberant glandular secretion, causing symptoms such as nasal itching, sneezing, and runny nose. This reaction is specific, only targeting specific allergens, and has a genetic tendency. If there is a history of allergies in the family, the individual's chance of getting sick will increase.
Sinusitis: The "Inflammation Crisis" of the Sinus
Sinusitis is mainly an inflammation of the sinus mucosa, mostly caused by bacterial infection. When colds, rhinitis and other diseases cause swelling of the nasal mucosa and blockage of the sinus opening, the air in the sinus is absorbed to form a negative pressure, attracting more bacteria to grow, which will cause inflammation. In addition, viral infections, spread of dental infections, and anatomical abnormalities (such as deviated nasal septum) may also induce sinusitis. Unlike allergic rhinitis, sinusitis focuses more on local infection and inflammatory processes.
Whether it is allergic rhinitis or sinusitis that causes nasal discomfort, nasal irrigation is an effective auxiliary relief method, and DeepCozy Electric Nasal Irrigation System can play an important role in this process. It can clean allergens, inflammatory secretions and bacteria in the nasal cavity through gentle water flow, and reduce the burden on the nasal mucosa.
Symptoms: a battle between coming and going quickly and lasting lingering
Allergic rhinitis: a "flash" of symptoms
Allergic rhinitis symptoms develop quickly, often within a short period of time after contact with allergens. Itchy nose is a typical symptom, and patients will rub their noses frequently; followed by continuous sneezing, which may be several or even dozens at a time; a large amount of clear watery nasal discharge cannot be stopped; nasal congestion is intermittent or alternating, and worsens at night or when exposed to allergens. These symptoms are obviously seasonal or related to specific environments, and the symptoms will be relieved quickly after leaving the allergens. Using DeepCozy Electric Nasal Irrigation System for nasal irrigation can promptly remove allergens in the nasal cavity, reduce immune response, and relieve symptoms such as itchy nose, sneezing and runny nose. Its gentle flushing method will not irritate the nasal mucosa, but can soothe the mucosa, making patients feel that the nasal cavity is more unobstructed.
Sinusitis: a "protracted war" of symptoms
Sinusitis symptoms are more complex and persistent. Nasal congestion is mostly persistent. Due to the blockage of the sinus opening, purulent mucus accumulates in the sinus, constantly irritating the mucosa, causing the mucus to be purulent, yellow or yellow-green in color, and difficult to blow out. Headache is a common symptom. The location and degree of pain vary depending on the sinus. For example, maxillary sinusitis manifests as swelling and pain in the maxillofacial area, while frontal sinusitis is periodic pain in the forehead. In addition, patients may also experience symptoms such as loss of smell, fatigue, and cough. Using the DeepCozy Electric Nasal Irrigation System for flushing, the purulent mucus in the sinus can be flushed out, reducing the inflammatory stimulation of the mucosa, and relieving nasal congestion and headache symptoms. At the same time, flushing can also improve nasal ventilation and drainage, and promote the recovery of sinusitis.
Diagnostic method: "detective means" to explore the cause of the disease
Allergic rhinitis: Looking for the "culprit" of allergies
To diagnose allergic rhinitis, the doctor will ask about the medical history in detail, including the time and frequency of symptoms, and the relationship with the season or environment. Then, the nose is examined to see if the nasal mucosa is pale and edematous. In order to identify the allergens, a skin prick test or serum-specific IgE test is performed. The skin prick test is to drop the allergen extract on the skin, pierce it with a puncture needle, and observe the skin reaction; the serum-specific IgE test is to test the antibody level by drawing blood.
Sinusitis: Insight into the "inside world" of the sinuses
In addition to medical history inquiry and nasal examination, sinus CT examination is an important means of diagnosing sinusitis. CT can clearly show the anatomical structure and lesions of the sinuses, and judge the scope and severity of inflammation. Nasal endoscopy can directly observe the nasal cavity and sinus openings to check whether there are purulent secretions, polyps, etc.
Treatment method: "strategic differences" in treating symptoms
Allergic rhinitis: regulating the immune "balance"
Allergic rhinitis treatment is mainly to avoid contact with allergens, drug treatment and immunotherapy. Avoiding contact with allergens is the key, such as reducing going out and wearing masks during the pollen season for those who are allergic to pollen. Drug treatment commonly uses antihistamines, nasal glucocorticoids, etc., which can relieve symptoms. Immunotherapy gradually increases the dose of allergens to make the immune system tolerant.
Sinusitis: Eliminate the "root cause" of inflammation
The treatment of sinusitis needs to be selected according to the condition. Acute sinusitis often uses antibiotics to control infection, and cooperates with nasal decongestants, mucus promoters, etc. to reduce mucosal swelling and promote secretion discharge. If conservative treatment is ineffective, or there are nasal polyps and anatomical abnormalities, surgical treatment is required, such as endoscopic sinusoplasty.
Although allergic rhinitis and sinusitis both occur in the nose, they have obvious differences in pathogenesis, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. When patients experience nasal discomfort, they should seek medical treatment in time, and clarify the cause through professional examination and diagnosis, so as to take targeted treatment measures. Only by accurately distinguishing these two diseases can scientific and effective treatment be achieved, so that patients can get rid of the troubles of nasal diseases as soon as possible and resume a healthy life.
