Causes of Sinusitis
Sinusitis can be caused by anything that interrupts the airflow in the nasal passage and drainage of the mucus from the sinuses. Swelling due to change in temperature or air pressure or use of nasal spray, swimming, diving, smoking etc. may also be responsible for causing sinusitis. But when it is caused by virus or bacteria, then you get a sinus infection.
Acute sinus infection is usually caused by viral infection in the upper respiratory tract. However, viruses does not themselves cause sinusitis, but set an atmosphere by causing inflammation and blocking the nasal passage creating a niche for the bacteria to grow. In some cases, the viral cold may cause inflammation to the sinus but it is usually resolved without medication in two weeks.
Sinus infection is most commonly caused by bacteria. Streptococcus pneumonia, Haemophilus influenza, and Moraxella catarrhalis are the bacteria which normally cause inflammation in the sinus.
Sometimes, fungal infection can also cause acute sinusitis. Though, not all types of fungus present in the atmosphere are harmful to us. Fungi, such as aspergillus, however can cause serious health problems to those who have a weak immune system.
Several other common causes of sinus infection are listed below:
1) Running nose: when you are suffering from common cold and have running nose, frequent blowing of your nose can cause sinusitis because of the pressure can lead to bacterial infection.
2) Use of drugs: snorting drugs through the nose may also cause the infection.
Sometimes the side effects of a medicine may also trigger inflammation.
3) Change in atmosphere and temperature: changes in the temperature may sometimes cause nasal congestion which may lead to inflammation of the sinus.
4) Teeth and gum infection: In some cases teeth and gum infection may also cause sinus infection.
It is very important to treat prolonged acute sinus infection, as it may result into chronic sinusitis. The symptoms of both acute and chronic are the same but their causes may not always be the same. Read on to know about the causes of chronic sinusitis.
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