Acute sinusitis is generally ascribed to the bacterial infection. Most of the patients suffering from colds have mild sinus inflammation that last for a short period. A few patients with colds may develop typical sinusitis conditions. Flu and colds may create nasal congestion and inflammation, obstructing the sinuses and creating an environment conducive for bacterial growth. Thus, symptoms of sinus infection develop.
Causes for Recurrent or Chronic Sinusitis Conditions
Acute sinusitis that was not treated in time may damage mucus membranes and cause recurrent or chronic infection.
During some chronic disorders, such as Wegener’s granulomatosis, Kartagener’s syndrome, cystic fibrosis, hypothyroidism, immune system related diseases, AIDS and diabetes, airways may swell or thick stagnant mucus may occur continuously. These ailments may also cause chronic sinusitis.
Structural abnormalities may block the nasal passage, causing chronic sinusitis conditions. Common abnormalities include small benign structures (polyps) in the nasal passage. Polyps obstruct air and mucus flow. Polyps may result due to previous untreated sinusitis. Enlarged adenoids may cause sinusitis. Adenoid is a mass of lymphatic tissue on the pharynx’s posterior wall. Other structural abnormalities include cleft palate, deviated septum, nasal bone spur and tumors.
Allergic reaction to fungus may also create symptoms of sinus infection. Alternaria, Aspergillus, Bipolaris and Curvularia fungi trigger sinusitis. However, fungi are not common cause for sinusitis. Fungi may colonize sinuses of chronic sinusitis patients. These patients may need anti-fungal treatment.
Some chronic sinusitis may occur due to continuous inflammation instead of presence of bacteria.
Bacteria play a direct or an indirect role in chronic sinusitis, but, in some cases, bacteria may not play any part at all. They may thrive in the sinuses but do not cause the infection. This condition is referred to as colonization. Moraxella catarrhalis causes sinusitis in children. H. influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria trigger sinusitis in both children and adult.
Other Causes
Airborne chemicals, irritants and other pollutants cause symptoms of sinus infection.
A weak immune system may also lead to sinusitis.
Malfunctioning sinus cilia may result in sinusitis. Malfunctioning could be because of medical disorders.
Allergies and colds may increase the mucus that may obstruct sinus opening.
Infected teeth may infect sinuses.
During cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder, sticky thick mucus gathers within the body. As a result, patients become prone to infections.