Sinusitis (cont.)
What causes sinus infection?
Sinus
infection may be caused by anything that interferes with airflow into the sinuses
and the drainage of mucous out of the sinuses. The sinus openings may
be obstructed by anything which causes swelling of the tissue lining and adjacent
nasal
passage tissue, for example colds, allergies, and tissue irritants (OTC nasal sprays,
"coke," cigarette smoke). Sinuses can also become obstructed by tumors or
growths which are in the proximity of the sinus ostia. The drainage of mucous
from the sinuses can be impaired by thickening of the mucous secretions, by
decrease in hydration (water content) of the mucous brought on by disease (cystic fibrosis), drying medications (antihistamines), and lack of
sufficient humidity in the air. The mucous producing cells have small hairlike
fibers, called cilia, which move back
and forth to help the mucous move out of the sinuses. These small cilia may be
damaged by many irritants, especially smoke, which then prevents them from
assisting the mucous from draining from the sinuses. Stagnated mucous then
provides a perfect environment for bacteria and in some circumstances
(i.e.: AIDS) fungus to grow in the sinus cavities.
What are the types of sinus infections?
Sinus infection may be classified in at least two ways, based on the time span of the problem
(acute, subacute, or chronic
) and the type of inflammation (either infectious or noninfectious).
Acute sinus infection is usually defined as being of less than 30 days
duration; subacute sinus infection as being over 1 month but less than 3 months; and chronic
sinus infection as being greater than 3 months duration. Infected sinusitis is
usually caused by uncomplicated virus infection. Far less frequently bacterial
growth causes
sinus infection. Noninfectious sinusitis can be caused by irritants
and allergic conditions. Subacute and chronic forms of sinus infection usually are the result
of incomplete treatment of an acute sinus infection.
Next: What are the symptoms of sinus infection? »
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