Sinusitis

What causes sinusitis?

• Viruses are the most common cause of sinusitis and these infections usually resolve fairly quickly with just symptomatic treatment.

• Bacterial sinusitis usually has a longer duration of symptoms and may be treated with oral antibiotics.

• Fungal sinusitis is the least common of the three and usually occurs in those with a weakened immune system. Some pre-existing conditions may make an individual more likely to suffer from sinusitis, these include anatomical abnormalities of the nose, uncontrolled allergic rhinitis and those with depressed immunity and some tooth infections.

What are the risk factors for sinusitis?

Various factors can increase the risk of sinusitis. These include the following:

• Dental infections/procedures
• Nasal instrumentation/procedures
• Mechanical blockage of the nasal passages
  
• Swelling of the nasal lining
• Genetic conditions affecting movement of mucus
• Treatment/therapies that may affect movement of mucus such as radiotherapy to the nose and mouth
• Exposure to cigarette smoke