Suffering from a sinus infection can be a real problem for most people. The inability to breath and the discomfort resulting from the inflammation can be quite unpleasant, so much so that many people will do almost anything to avoid getting it in the first place. To do this, it is important to understand the many different sinus infection causes and risk factors.
Causes of Sinus Infections
Sinus infections can be the result of anything that triggers inflammation in your sinuses or that prevents the mucus from moving naturally through your passages. There may be several causes of the infection. Some of these, we may be able to control or avoid but others are entirely environmental.
For example, allergies are often the cause of a sinus infection, a factor that is difficult to avoid but infections can also be triggered by an overuse of a decongestant nasal sprays, smoking, or swimming. Some of these you may be able to control but others you may not.
There are also bacterial or viral contaminants that can trigger a sinus infection, which is usually the case after having a cold. The virus attacks the lining of the sinuses causing inflammation, which narrows the passageways. The body will instinctively fight back by producing more mucus, which exacerbates the problem because the inflammation blocks its movement. The result is a sinus infection that can make it very difficult to breathe.
Risk Factors
While sinus infections can be one of the medical problems experienced most regularly in the country, there are some people who are at a higher risk of developing them than others so it’s important to learn if you may be one that is vulnerable to sinus infection causes and risk factors.
The symptoms usually affect young children more often than adults because their immune systems have yet to mature. Infants are often reported with chronic ear infections, colds, and respiratory tract infections because of their smaller nasal and sinus passages that are still developing.
The elderly may also find themselves subjected to frequent sinus infections because the nasal passages are more likely to become dry in older people. There is also the deterioration of the cartilage that supports those passages, which can eventually interfere or block the airflow.
And those with severe allergies or asthma are at a much higher risk as well. Those who have a combination of sensitivity to aspirin, asthma, or polyps in the nose are probably at a higher risk of chronic sinusitis.
In most cases, sinus infections will go away on their own with simple over the counter medications but there are times when hospitalization may be needed. It is important that you learn and understand the symptoms of a sinus infection and when the condition may have advanced to the point where medical treatment is necessary. Often these more severe cases are few and far between but those who may need additional attention usually already have other severe medical problems that can be triggering the problem like diabetes, acid reflux disease, AIDS, hypothyroidism, and cystic fibrosis.
There are other sinus infection causes and risk factors so if you suspect you may be at a higher risk, it will pay to learn as much as you can about the problem so you can get the treatment you need.
