Sinusitis or Sinus Infection Causes
Airflow can cause sinusitis and sinus infection if it is able to drain mucus from the sinus infection. The tissue lining and nasal passage tissue can block the sinus openings.
- Allergies
- Common colds
- Other tissue irritants include cocaine, OTC nasal sprays and cigarette smoking
Other causes for sinusitis or sinus infection
If they are near the sinus openings, tumors or growths can also block sinus infections. Sinusitis or a sinus infection can be caused by dehydration, dry medications, and a lack of humidity. A sinus infection can also be aggravated by thickening the mucus due to a decrease in the water content of the mucous caused by disease, such as cystic fibrosis. Drying medications, like antihistamines, and a lack of humidity may also cause this. The epithelial cell may have small fibers called cilia which move backwards and forwards to help the mucus get out of the infection.
Smoke is one of the most common irritants that can harm these small cilia. This could prevent them from helping mucus drain in sinus infections and so cause sinusitis. In the sinus cavities, stagnant mucus provides an ideal environment for bacteria, viruses and, in some cases (such as immunosuppression, AIDS patients, or people with HIV) fungus. The microbes can also cause and worsen sinus blockage. Most commonly infected are the maxillary and ethmoid sinuses. Immunosuppression and trauma victims of natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes or tsunamis may breathe in fungi.
In a few days or even a week the fungus can cut off blood flow and spread to nearly every type of tissue. This is especially true in the nose and eyes. These infections are rare and serious and may require immediate medical and surgical care. The fungal infection is similar to the common bacterial sinus infections. It is called mucormycosis, or zygomycosis. The sinus infection is caused by the accumulation of fluids in the air pockets on the face. Some sinusitis is caused by bacteria, while others are caused by viruses. It is possible to get a sinus infection from several different causes, but the most common one is fluid that gets trapped inside. This allows germs to grow.
A virus is the most common cause of sinusitis, but a bacterial or viral infection can also be responsible. Asthma and allergies, as well as air pollution such as irritants or chemical pollutants can be the trigger. Molds and fungi can cause fungal sinusitis. A bacterial, viral, or fungal infection can cause sinusitis. Some of the specific causes include:
- Polyps are growths.
- Common cold
- A septum that is deviated. The septum is the cartilage that divides your nose. The septum is deviated if it does not line up with the nasal passages on either side of your nose.
- Allergies to mold, seasonal and nasal allergies
- Immune system impairment due to medication or illness
Children and infants who spend most of their time in daycare, use drinking bottles while lying down or use pacifiers may be at greater risk for sinusitis. Smoking can increase the risk of a sinus infection in older people. You should stop smoking or at least try to quit. Smoking can be harmful to you as well as your family. You can’t spread a bacterial sinus infection, but you could spread viruses which may lead to sinusitis. You should maintain good handwashing practices, not to ignore individuals when you are sick, and to cough, or to sneeze, into your elbow, if necessary.
The most common causes of chronic sinusitis include:
- Deviated septum of the nasal
The curved septum (the wall between the nostrils) can block the sinus passages, making sinus infections worse.
- Nasal Polyps
These tissues can block nasal or sinus passages.
- Respiratory Infections
These infections can cause swelling and inflammation of your sinus membranes and prevent mucus from draining. These infections can be caused by viruses or bacteria
- Other Medical Conditions
Blockage of the nasal passages can be caused by HIV, cystic Fibrosis and other immune-related conditions.
- Allergies consisting mainly of hay fever
Allergies can cause inflammation that blocks your sinus infection
- Dry Mouth
Your breath may smell bad if you stop producing enough saliva. Saliva helps rinse your mouth. Smoking can cause dry mouth, and increase the risk of gum disease. Some medications can cause your mouth to become dry.
- Poor hygiene
The most common cause of bad breath is food particles stuck between teeth or somewhere in the mouth. Bacteria can break down food particles that are stuck in your mouth or between teeth. This method releases a foul odor. Bacteria can also cause gum disease and tooth decay. By brushing your teeth and tongue, and flossing, you can remove bacteria and food residue.
- Tonsil Stones
The food particles can become hardened into tonsiloliths, or tonsil stones.
- Cancer in the mouth, between your nose and mouth
Oropharyngeal or oral cancer can also cause sores, difficulty swallowing, neck pain, and excessive weight-loss.
- Infections of the nose, throat or lungs
When a patient has pneumonia, they may cough up a liquid that is quite unpleasant.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
This is a condition in which stomach acid or fluids leak into the esophagus. The tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach.
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