The information in this website is for general information purposes only. It should not be considered to be specific healthcare information for any particular reader. This information should not be construed to create a physician-patient relationship with the reader. For specific health advice please consult your doctor or contact PRNSI for an appointment. PRNSI reserves the right to formalize a physician-patient relationship. The trademark and design of PRNSI are registered.
Causes of sinusitis:
1. Genetic factors
Because of their genetic make-up, some people are going to be predisposed toward having inflammation in the sinuses. Typically, multiple family members are affected. Unfortunately, the genes that are involved in sinusitis have, for the most part, not been identified. There are also a number of hereditary illnesses which can predispose patients to suffer from sinusitis.
2. Environmental factors
There exist multiple substances in the everyday environment that irritate the lining of the nose and sinuses. Nasal allergies (allergic rhinitis) fall under this category and are very common. However, inflammation can also occur through non-allergic triggers. Examples of this are smoke, dust, and pollution in the environment.
3. Structural factors
Obstruction of drainage from the sinuses can occur due to unusually large or bent structures in the nose, such as a deviated septum or nasal polyps.
The term sinusitis refers to the presence of inflammation in the paranasal sinuses. This inflammation may be accompanied by concurrent infection, and may affect one or more sinuses on one or both sides. Sinusitis can occur when the drainage and ventilation of the sinuses becomes obstructed, and may be present in one of three (3) forms: acute (less then 12 weeks), chronic (more than 12 weeks) or recurrent. The predisposing factors for sinusitis can be divided into 3 categories:
Because of their genetic make-up, some people are going to be predisposed toward having inflammation in the sinuses. Typically, multiple family members are affected. Unfortunately, the genes that are involved in sinusitis have, for the most part, not been identified. There are also a number of hereditary illnesses which can predispose patients to suffer from sinusitis.
2. Environmental factors
There exist multiple substances in the everyday environment that irritate the lining of the nose and sinuses. Nasal allergies (allergic rhinitis) fall under this category and are very common. However, inflammation can also occur through non-allergic triggers. Examples of this are smoke, dust, and pollution in the environment.
3. Structural factors
Obstruction of drainage from the sinuses can occur due to unusually large or bent structures in the nose, such as a deviated septum or nasal polyps.
