What are the common causes of Sinusitis?

Sinus disease may be caused by several factors:

Allergies: Environmental allergies, most commonly dust, mold, grasses, and weeds, can cause enough inflammation of the nasal passage to block the openings of the sinuses causing infection. Read more about Allergy Managament.

Infection: Bacterial or viral disease may stimulate nasal secretions and cause the sinus and nasal lining to swell.

Structural Problems: There are many things that may block the sinuses from draining causing sinusitis. Common structural problems of the nose include a misaligned nasal septum. Other problems may be from blocked or small openings to the sinuses. The turbinates (three fleshy tissues inside the nose that hangs from the side of the nose) may also become too large and block the sinus openings. Structural problems of the nose typically require surgical correction. Read more about Endoscopic Sinus Surgery and Septoplasty/Turbinate Reduction

Vasomotor Rhinitis: This disorder is like having a hyper-reactive nose. The inside of the nose normally swells up and down throughout the day from various factors such as foods, exercise, change in weather, stress, or hormonal changes. Your nose may be hyper-responsive and over react causing congestion, obstruction, sinus pain, and excess nasal secretion.

Nasal Polyps: Nasal polyps are like "small balloons" that are caused by long-term nasal and sinus inflammation. They often obstruct the sinuses and often require surgical removal. Read more about Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Fungal Sinusitis: An infection by fungi or an allergic response to fungi can result in sinusitis. This condition affects less than 10 percent of those who suffer from long-term sinus problems. Fungal sinusitis may require surgical intervention to remove the fungus.

• Read more about Endoscopic Sinus Surgery