Is there a difference between Sinusitis and Allergic Rhinitis?
Sure. Sinusitis is inflammation of one or more (usually more) of the sinus cavities, with or without infection. Since the openings to the sinus can be easily sealed shut by swelling, creating a warm, moist bacteria playground, infection is common. You can have sinusitis and still breathe freely through your nose, though once you also have an infection, the nasal passages are also affected and you’re totally clogged up. Besides the congestion, sinusitis is characterized by a low fever and an intense, localized headache. Allergic rhinitis is the nasal passages swelling, sometimes shut, in response to a substance you’re allergic to. There’s also excess mucus formation as the nose tries to clean itself out. (So you both look and feel your very best, eh?) Either one’s no fun, but one’s treated with antibiotics, the other with antihistamines.
