![]() ![]() (17) Risk Factors for Chronic Sinusitis and Recurring Sinus Infections # In chronic sinusitis with fungal allergy, people experience a strong allergic reaction to fungi in the air, which causes their mucous membranes to produce a thick, dense mucus. It’s not always clear why some people develop these polyps and others don’t. The most common type of the illness, chronic sinusitis without nasal polyposis, involves swelling and inflammation of the mucous membranes by various non-polyp factors, such as allergies or irritation (from airborne allergens and toxins) and infections.Ĭhronic sinusitis with nasal polyposis, on the other hand, involves nasal polyps that are large enough to clog the sinus. (4)īut clinicians may categorize chronic sinusitis into one of three types depending on the features present. Sometimes, the long-term illness is caused by an infection that hasn’t cleared up properly, but most often the exact cause of chronic sinusitis isn’t known. While acute sinusitis often involves an infection, chronic sinusitis does not. (17)ĪllergiesNasal polyps (abnormal growths inside the nose)Deviated nasal septum (a bending of the wall between the two nostrils)Weakened immune system, such as from HIV/AIDSFacial fractures (from trauma) that restrict the nasal passagesCongenital diseases, such as cystic fibrosisAsthma and other reactive diseases (4,5) Types of Chronic Sinusitis or Chronic Sinus Infections # But invasive fungal sinusitis generally does not affect people with healthy immune systems. In some cases, fungi can cause a sinus infection, particularly if a person has a fungal allergy. In only 0.5 to 2 percent of cases do people develop bacterial sinusitis (a sinus infection caused by bacteria), which is typically a complication of viral sinusitis. This virus may jump to other people, causing a cold that may also develop into viral sinusitis. (11) (8) Common Colds and Sinus Infections #Ī viral infection associated with the common cold is the most common cause of sinus infections (also known as viral sinusitis, in this case). When the mucus is unable to drain, it becomes the perfect medium for microbes to grow out of control and cause an infection. ![]() The cilia also slow down their sweeping and cleaning, making it even harder for mucus to drain. But when blockage occurs, mucus fails to drain properly, increases in thickness, and fills the sinus spaces. ![]() In healthy people, mucosal secretions are always moving and draining into the nasal cavity. But the most common cause of the blockage is inflammation or swelling of the nasal passages because of the common cold or allergies. There are several underlying causes of sinus blockage, including various environmental, anatomical, and genetic factors. Sinus infections ultimately develop because of sinus and nasal blockages that result in sinus inflammation. RELATED: Learn More About Signs and Symptoms of Sinus Infection Postnasal drip (when mucus drips down the back of the throat)HeadacheTooth painBad breath (halitosis)FatigueFever greater than 100.4 degrees FCoughSore throatFacial tendernessEar pressure (3,17) Nasal congestion (stuffy nose)Thick nasal discharge that is yellow to green in colorDecreased or lost sense of smellA feeling of pain, pressure, or fullness in the sinuses (1) ![]() The infection can be acute or chronic (long-lasting). (1,2)Ī sinus infection occurs when the sinuses (or, more specifically, the mucous membranes) become inflamed and swell up because of a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection. Tiny hair-like cells called cilia sweep the mucus to the openings that lead to the back of your throat, allowing it to slide down into your stomach. This membrane produces and circulates mucus into your sinus and nasal passages to help remove dust, particles, and microbes from the air that you breathe. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |