What’s the difference between rhinitis, allergies and sinusitis?
In Singapore, 5.5% of the adult population suffer from allergic rhinitis. Less than 5% of those with sinus or nasal symptoms suffer from true sinusitis.
This article has been verified medically by Dr Samuel Yeak, otorhinolaryngologist and ENT specialist at Amandela ENT Head And Neck Centre Singapore at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital (Singapore). About the Doctor
Rhinitis is the inflammation of the nose, while sinusitis is the inflammation of the sinuses (pockets of air around the face). Sinusitis is also known as rhinosinusitis (a bad flu), as both the nose and sinuses are often affected.
This is usually caused by a chronic infection, or structural abnormalities like a deviated septum. This is when the septum wall between the nostrils is off-centre, restricting air flow and mucus drainage. Most of the time, no cause is found.
2. Sinusitis
Sinusitis or rhinosinusitis occurs when sinuses become blocked, filled up with mucus, and become infected. This can be caused by the common cold, hay fever or nasal polyps (small lumps inside the nose).
Symptoms include:
Headache
Fever
Painful cheeks
Hoarse or sore throat
Nighttime cough
Yellow or green mucus, sometimes with blood
Nausea and fatigue
When symptoms last for less than three months, you have acute sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis lasts for more than three months.
Viral sinusitis is the most common form of the disease, followed by bacterial sinusitis and fungal sinusitis. Fungal sinusitis is usually seen in patients with a weakened immune system.