Clarifying the Relationship between the Sinuses and Rhinitis
Recent studies by otolaryngologist (head and neck surgeons) have better defined the association between rhinitis and sinusitis. They have concluded that sinusitis often comes before rhinitis and rarely occurs without the symptoms of rhinitis. These symptoms include a blocked nose, a runny nose and even no sense of smell.
Computed tomography (CT) scans have shown that the skin that lines the nose and sinuses are both affected during a cold or flu infection. The relationship between the nasal passages and sinus cavities has caused Otolaryngologists to refer to sinusitis as rhinosinusitis.
What makes these two disorders relate to each other involves the spread of bacteria and inflammation from the nasal passages to the sinuses and vice versa. Colds, flu’s and even allergies can also lead to rhinosinusitis in this way. Other medical research has supported the close relationship between allergic rhinitis and sinusitis.