Rhinitis and Sinusitis

Rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal passages that can be caused by infection (viral or bacterial), or by allergies.  The common cold is caused by viruses that are spread from person to person in droplets from sneezing and coughing, or by direct contact.  Rhinitis often exists with other disorders, such as asthma and allergies…it may be acute or chronic, and nonallergic or allergic.  The presence of an allergen will cause histamine to be released into the nasal passages to act as mediators to begin fighting off the reaction caused by the allergen.  The mediators then cause the capillaries to leak, which leads to local edema and swelling.

You will most likely notice some of the following signs and symptoms of rhinitis, including:

• Excessive nasal drainage (a runny nose) and/or nasal congestion.
• Nasal discharge that appears purulent (green, yellow in color), which most likely indicates and infection has set in.
• Sneezing and an itchy nose, ears and/or throat.
• Itchy, watery eyes.
• Sore, dry throat.
• Nasal passages will appear to be red and swollen.
• Low-grade fever.

Your medical provider may recommend allergy testing be completed in order to rule out any allergies if you suffer from rhinitis.  Total Home Health and our professionals know how much of a nuisance having a cold or experiencing allergies can be.  Our goal is to help provide you with relief of your symptoms and prevent future episode of rhinitis.  Treatment options for rhinitis may include:

• Rest…8 to 10 hours per day is recommended
• Increased fluid intake…at least 2,000 mL per day
• It is important to sneeze/cough into a tissue, or into your shoulder/elbow…do not sneeze or cough into your hands in order to reduce the infection being spread elsewhere.
• Proper handwashing techniques to prevent transmission to someone else.
• Doses of Vitamin C and Zinc as directed may be useful to promoting an improved immune response.
• Limiting exposure to crowds will help to reduce transmission, especially in those clients who already have a weakened immune system.
• Various medications may be used to treat your cold or allergy signs and symptoms:
• Antihistamines
• Used to block release of chemicals in nasal tissues to prevent swelling and itching.
• Decongestants
• Constrict blood vessels and decrease swelling.
• Only use for 3 or 4 days so you do not experience more congestion after using for too long.

• Intranasal sprays
• Most effective for prevention and treatment of seasonal and perennial rhinitis.
• Antipyretics
• Used when a fever is present.
• Antibiotics
• Administered if a bacterial infection is also identified.

Treatment for your case of rhinitis will of course depend upon the causative factor.  Your medical provider will determine which option is best for you and our Total Home Health professionals will follow through with your care in the comforts of your own home.

Sinusitis on the other hand is an inflammation of the mucous membranes of one or more of your sinuses.  The swelling can end up blocking the drainage of secretions, which could result in a sinus infection.  Sinusitis often occurs after rhinitis and may be associated with an array of factors, including:

• Deviated nasal septum
• Nasal polyps
• Inhaled air pollutants
• Facial trauma
• Dental infections
• Loss of immune function

Signs and symptoms of sinusitis may include:

• Nasal congestion
• Headache
• Facial pressure or pain (worsens when head is tilted forward)
• Cough
• Bloody or purulent nasal drainage
• Tenderness when facial areas are touched
• Low-grade fever

Diagnosis of sinusitis is made via CT scans or sinus x-rays.  Those procedures will confirm the diagnosis.  Once diagnosed, interventions will be put into place to provide relief from your signs and symptoms and to treat any infection that may have set in.  Total Home Health professionals will continue to encourage you to follow through with some of the following tasks in your home, including:

• Using steam humidification, sinus irrigation, saline nasal sprays, and hot/wet packs to relieve your sinus and congestion pain.
• Increase fluid intake and rest.
• Discourage air travel, swimming and diving.
• Quit smoking.

Medications may also be used to combat signs and symptoms of sinusitis, including nasal decongestants, antibiotics, mild pain relief medication, and/or nasal sprays.  Your medical provider will decide which treatment is best for you.

Join our team of professionals at Total Home Health today!  We have a program that is right for you to combat your diagnosis of rhinitis and/or sinusitis.  We understand how much of a nuisance these conditions can be and will continue to encourage you to remain on the right track in order to enjoy relief from your symptoms and have fewer interruptions in your daily routines.