Rhinitis, also known as coryza, is the inflammation of the membranes inside the nose and the nasal cavity. The commonest cause is allergic rhinitis, or hayfever, where pollen causes this irritation.
Viral illnesses like colds can also be a trigger.
People often complain of a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, and a sensation of a drip down the back of the throat. This can cause a cough which might be more productive in the morning, dry through the day, and again worse on lying down.
Sinusitis is the inflammation of the nasal sinuses, which are beyond the main nasal cavity. The frontal sinuses just above the mid eye brows and nose, the maxillary sinuses just on the cheeks and the sphenoid sinus which is further back can become swollen and inflamed causing grogginess, headaches and post nasal drip.
Sinusitis has the same triggers and causes as rhinitis, though sometimes when it is quite severe people can become rather unwell – particularly in bacterial sinusitis. This needs review and treatment by your doctor.
Nasal and sinus congestion are often the most unpleasant aspects of having a viral infection, and a flare up of allergic rhinitis. The management of these symptoms are often simple, but need to be given time. In stepwise fashion, the three strategies below can clear, decongest, and have anti-inflammatory effects on the nasal passages and sinuses.
If you find that your symptoms recur a lot, or you get frequent episodes, then your doctor can help identify what your triggers may be and implement strategies to help in the long term.
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