Sinusitis vs. ALLERGIES

Nasal congestion is one of the most frequent nasal symptoms encountered. It can be described as reduced airflow/stuffiness of the nose or a sense of fullness/ heaviness in the face. Nasal congestion goes hand in hand with inflammation of the mucosa lining of the nose accompanied with increased discharge from the nose. Nasal congestion can be caused by physical obstruction, sinusitis, allergic or non-allergic rhinitis.

Sinusitis refers to inflammation of the mucus lining of the nasal passages or nostrils and sinus cavities. Sinusitis can be caused by microorganisms (like viruses, bacteria, or fungi) or allergens. Viruses are the most common cause of acute sinusitis. Severe inflammation can cause mucus to build up, leading to swelling and edema. A sinus infection is a type of sinusitis caused by bacteria and results in infected sinus cavities with fluid build-up where germs tend to overgrow. This is commonly known as bacterial sinusitis and is often accompanied by fever and can require antibiotics to clear up. Sinusitis can either be acute or chronic. Acute sinusitis presents with nasal inflammation, congestion, headache, mucus, discomfort over the cheeks, around the eyes and over the forehead. Chronic sinusitis is a series of infections due to bacteria, with a persistent process of sinus inflammation over a long period of time. Often, sinus pain is more severe in acute sinusitis. Sinusitis can be treated with different products depending on the symptoms present:

- Over the counter (OTC) decongestants (mainly for sinus congestion) SINUCON™ NASAL DROPS
- Antihistamines (for allergic rhinitis causing inflammation in nasal mucosa)
- Antibiotics in the case of bacterial sinusitis
- Nasal saline spray (provides moisture and breaks up mucus)
- Nasal steroid spray (reduces nasal inflammation)

Allergies occur when your body’s immune system releases histamine in response to allergens (such as pollen, dust, pet dander etc.). This results in symptoms like sneezing, headache, congestion, skin rash and itchy eyes. This is your body’s way of trying to expel the foreign substance (allergen) resulting in what is known as “allergies.” Allergies can occur at any point in your life. Allergies can be treated with OTC decongestants SINUCON™ NASAL DROPS and antihistamines (that blocks the body’s histamine-production response) causing the body to react with fewer symptoms. Rest, ingestion of clear fluids and the use of saline sprays can also aid in clearing up allergies. Allergies cannot always be prevented but there are useful tips to help reduce your chance of experiencing allergies. Keeping windows closed when pollen counts are high and practicing good personal hygiene during high pollen seasons can help prevent overexposure to allergens with seasonal allergies. Dust mite allergies can be prevented with regular house and bed cleanings and pet allergies by frequently washing hands and avoid touching your face, after touching your animals and not letting them sleep in your bed. If you suffer from frequent allergies, taking preventative medicine (antihistamines), may prevent your allergies from getting out of control.

A decongestant SINUCON™ NASAL DROPS is medicine that cause blood vessels in the inner mucus lining of your nose, to constrict. This results in less congestion, inflammation, swelling, mucus, and postnasal drip.