Risk Factors for Sinusitis

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Risk factors for sinusitis

There are a number of risk factors which increase likelihood of sinusitis:

Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)

People who have allergic rhinitis (hay fever) are also much more predisposed to developing sinusitis too. This is most likely due to the allergic rhinitis (hay fever) causing inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes and this can cause a build-up of mucous and any allergens, which blocks the sinus passages. This blockages makes it much more likely for the sinuses to become infection and for sinusitis to occur.

Infection

Any type of upper respiratory infection or dental infection of the teeth can predispose a person to developing sinusitis too. An upper respiratory infection inflames the nasal passages, making it more likely the mucous membranes are also inflamed and sinusitis to ensue, even if it is just for the duration of the infection (acute sinusitis). A dental infection in the upper teeth, usually an abscess, can also cause inflammation of the maxillary sinuses, which results in sinusitis.

Gastro-eosophageal reflux disease (GERD)

An uncommon, but known risk factor for for sinusitis, is gastro-eosophageal reflux disease (GERD). People who have GERD experience regurgitation of their food as it refluxes from the stomach and up the eosophagus. The acidic fumes from this refluxed foods can travel into the sinuses (and lungs) and greatly inflame the sinuses passages, causing sinusitis. This risk factor is often missed in many people because they do not realise it can cause sinusitis.

Trauma to the sinuses

Any type of injury or trauma to the sinuses has the potential to cause inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the sinuses and result in sinusitis. Injury to the sinuses is rare, but it does occur when the trauma is severe enough to impact the sinuses.

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Last reviewed: 20 February 2009 || Last updated: 9 January 2010

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Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.

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