Causes of Acute and Chronic Sinusitis

This information is from the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Acute Sinusitis

  • Most cases of acute sinusitis start with a common cold, which is caused by a virus, which can inflame the sinuses.
  • Most healthy people harbor bacteria in their upper respiratory tracts with no problems until the body's defenses are weakened or drainage from the sinuses is blocked by a cold or other viral infection.
  • Sometimes, fungal infections can cause acute sinusitis.
  • Chronic inflammation of the nasal passages also can lead to sinusitis.

Chronic Sinusitis

It can be difficult to determine the cause of chronic sinusitis. Some health experts think it is an infectious disease, but others are not certain. Causes include:

  • Asthma
  • Allergies
  • Immune deficiency disorders

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
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