A sinus infection refers to the inflammation of the sinuses caused by a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. The inflammation of the sinuses are often painful, yet it is a common condition affecting up to 20 percent of the adult and child population. Women are more likely to be diagnosed with sinusitis. Sinus infection is also called as sinusitis or rhinosinusitis; however, sinusitis may refer to an inflammation, with or without an infection in the sinuses.

How does sinusitis develop?

The sinuses have an important function in the human body – they act as filters and humidifiers. The membranes lining the sinuses contain mucus and cilia that sweep out of the pollutants and dirt from the nasal passages. In healthy individuals, this mechanism continues without blockage; the sinuses drain the secretion into the nasal cavity. When there is a blockage in this natural process, the mucus cannot be drained, instead of filling the sinus spaces. Eventually, the mucus begins to thicken.

Sinusitis can be a painful condition and can lead to absences from work or school. In its acute or chronic form, sinusitis can turn infectious or non-infectious. The duration of the inflammation determines how severe the sinusitis is and its type.

Acute sinusitis: Can last up to 10 days.

Subacute sinusitis: Can last up to 12 weeks.

Recurrent acute sinusitis: An individual can have more than four episodes in any given year often without any ongoing symptoms between the episodes.

Common Triggers for Sinus Infections

Some common triggers that can cause a sinus infection are allergies, anatomic variations in the nose, poor quality of air, hormonal conditions, immunodeficiency syndromes, fungi, bacteria, viruses, changes in air pressure or temperature, asthma, and other chronic respiratory illnesses such as COPD. People with allergies are particularly at high risk to develop sinusitis and must avoid allergens such as pollen, dust mites, fungal spores, etc. In some cases, GERD is also linked to chronic sinusitis.