Disease Comparison
Compare similarities and differences between two diseases.
Sleep Apnea
Moderate
3
Symptoms
4
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
VS
Sinusitis
Moderate
4
Symptoms
0
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
Overview
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops or becomes very shallow during sleep. The most common form is obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when the upper airway becomes blocked or narrowed during sleep. Another form, central sleep apnea, occurs when the brain does not send appropriate signals to the muscles that control breathing. Symptoms may include loud snoring, pauses in breathing, daytime sleepiness, and morning headaches.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses, the air-filled spaces around the nose and face. It can cause nasal congestion, facial pressure or pain, thick nasal discharge, reduced sense of smell, headache, and difficulty breathing through the nose. Sinusitis may occur for a short period or become recurrent or persistent, depending on its underlying cause.
Symptoms
Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Cold Sweats Excessive Sleepiness Swollen AnklesOnly in Right Disease
Fever Headache Nasal Congestion SneezingCauses
Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Alcohol Infection Smoking StressOnly in Right Disease
None
Diagnosis
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is evaluated using symptoms, sleep history, and information from a sleep partner when available. A sleep study can monitor breathing, oxygen levels, heart rate, and other body functions during sleep. Testing may be performed in a sleep center or, for some people, at home. The results help determine whether apnea is present and what type and severity of disorder exists.
Sinusitis
Diagnosis of sinusitis is based on the symptoms, duration of illness, and physical examination. A healthcare professional may examine the nose and surrounding areas for signs of inflammation or infection. Nasal endoscopy can provide a closer view of the nasal passages and sinus openings when symptoms are persistent or recurrent. Imaging studies may be used when complications are suspected or when structural problems need further evaluation.
Prevention
Sleep Apnea
Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of obstructive sleep apnea or lessen its severity. Avoiding alcohol and sedating medicines before sleep, when medically appropriate, can also help. Sleeping on the side may reduce airway obstruction in some people. Avoiding tobacco and treating nasal or other airway problems can support healthy breathing during sleep. People with symptoms should seek medical evaluation.
Sinusitis
Managing allergies and other conditions that cause nasal inflammation can help reduce the risk of recurrent sinusitis. Avoiding smoking and exposure to tobacco smoke may protect the nasal passages. Good hand hygiene can reduce the spread of respiratory infections, while appropriate treatment of respiratory infections may help prevent complications. People with recurrent symptoms should discuss possible underlying structural or inflammatory causes with a healthcare professional.
Risk Factors
Sleep Apnea
Risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea include excess body weight, a larger neck circumference, certain facial or airway structures, older age, and a family history of the disorder. Alcohol and sedating medicines can worsen airway obstruction during sleep. Smoking may also increase risk. Central sleep apnea is associated with certain heart, brain, and medical conditions and with some medicines.
Sinusitis
Allergies and asthma can increase the likelihood of sinus inflammation and symptoms. Nasal polyps and other structural problems that interfere with normal drainage can also increase risk. Smoking and exposure to tobacco smoke may irritate the nasal passages and contribute to sinus problems. Frequent respiratory infections can increase the opportunity for sinus inflammation to develop. Individual risk depends on the combination of underlying conditions and environmental exposures.
Treatment
Sleep Apnea
Treatment comparison will be available soon.
Sinusitis
Treatment comparison will be available soon.