Causes of Sinus Infections

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010    Subscribe To Our Feed

By knowing the causes of sinus infections, we can take concrete steps to prevent or reduce the chances of being a victim.

When someone has caught the flu, the nose is generally clogged up with mucus. This happens due to the body’s natural defenses which produces extra mucus to flush out any invading viruses.

The nose is very sensitive and is susceptible to viral infections easily. Common flu lasts for maximum period of two weeks. After that, the human body recovers but it leaves our sinuses inflamed. The inflamed sinuses continue to produce unhealthy, thick glue-like mucus and this mucus clogged up the sinuses and nasal passages and prevents natural ventilation of the sinus passages. Bacteria then begins to multiply at a rapid pace leading to acute sinusitis.

Another problem is that when we have persistent runny nose (Allergic Rhinitis) which is caused due to the allergy towards dust, pollen grains, house mites etc.., it results in chronic irritation or the inflammation of our nasal passages. (Sinusitis can occur)

Fungus infection is also known to cause sinus infection. Fungi are found commonly in the environment, but it is harmless to humans. However, common black mold which is found in our homes are harmful to some of us. If the black mold is not removed, and you constantly breathe in areas with these mold spores regularly, you body’s natural immune system could fall drastically. Fungal sinusitis soon develops.

The inside of our nose is made up of nasal turbinates. These turbinates are three bony and soft-tissue structures lining the sides of the nasal cavity.The purpose of these turbinates is to warm the air that we breathe in before it enters our lungs.

As part of the normal nasal cycle, these turbinates alternately swell and enlarge like clockwork. For some people, their turbinates are always swollen and this leads to significant nasal obstruction or congestion. This obstruction provides an environment for bacteria to build up in the nose leading to sinus infection.

Sinus polyps are swollen, inflamed mucus membranes that are abnormally projected into the nasal passages blocks airflow. They occur more frequently for people with asthma or allergies. The presence of nasal polyps will undoubtedly cause sinus infections.

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