Sinus Infection Causes

Sinus infection usually comes on after a bout of common cold, viral influenza and allergic rhinitis. The cold virus causes congestion in the nasal passages which impedes the drainage of the sinuses causing the mucosa to become inflamed.

When we have influenza, the same symptoms present themselves. The nose is one of the most vulnerable part of our body which contribute to us catching a viral infection very easily. Generally a common flu stays a maximum for a period of one week. After that we usually recover, but it leaves our sinuses inflamed. When we move outdoors we are again exposed to dust particles and irritants such as pollens in the air which could accumulate in our sinus cavities.

If our body is allergic to them, it can trigger an allergic reaction causing the sinuses to become inflamed. This would result in abnormal secretion of mucus and accumulation of the mucus can prevent the natural ventilation of the sinuses which is a prerequisite for good nasal health. This provides an ideal environment for both virus and bacteria to multiply. Once these bacteria multiply, sinus infection results. Allergic Rhinitis, due to allergy to dust, pollen grains, pet dander, etc., can also cause chronic irritation or inflammation of our nasal passages.

Sinus infection can also occur after an episode of hay fever. Fungus is known to cause sinus infection too. Fungi are commonly found in our living environment but they are harmless to human beings since we have a natural resistance to fungi. But you must be wary of the common black mold which we commonly find in our homes.

Black mold grow in areas where natural sunlight cannot reach. If nothing is done to eradicate them and you breathe in these mold spores regularly, your body's natural immune system could fall drastically.

The inside of our nose is made up of nasal turbinates. These turbinates are bony and soft-tissue structures which lines the sides of the nasal cavity. The main purpose of these turbinates is to warm the air that we breathe in. As a natural part of the normal nasal cycle, these turbinates alternately swell and enlarge. For some people, their turbinates can swell excessively resulting in significant nasal obstruction or congestion. This obstruction provides a conducive environment for the bacteria to proliferate leading to a sinus infection.

Nasal polyps are swollen, inflamed mucus membranes that abnormally block the nasal passages. This potentially impairs airflow. They occur frequently in persons with allergies. Nasal obstruction or nasal congestion is one of the most common sinus infection causes.

Some studies indicate that acid reflux plays a role in the development of sinus infection. A recent study on patients with chronic sinus infection, an increased number of acid reflux episodes causes gastric acid to reach the top of the esophagus near the sinuses compared to a control group.

Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners believe that the body must not be exposed to very cold environment for too long. It is best to avoid damp and cold places as overexposure can cause an imbalance to the yin and yang elements of the body. Any such imbalance will cause the body's immune system to deteriorate leading to ill health.

There are various proven sinus infection home remedies and best antibiotics for sinus infection. Find out more about these at Sinus Infection Help.