Table of contents:
- Causes of sinusitis that need to be watched out
- 1. Allergies
- 2. Having a respiratory disease
- 3. Frequent exposure to cigarette smoke
- 4. Has an abnormal nasal structure
- 5. Weakening of the body's immune system
- So, is there a way to prevent sinusitis?
Sinusitis is an inflammatory condition of the sinuses, which are the small cavities that are located behind the forehead and cheekbones. This nasal disorder often causes uncomfortable symptoms, such as nasal congestion and headaches. What are the causes of sinus inflammation? To find out what are the causes and risk factors for sinusitis, see the explanation below.
Causes of sinusitis that need to be watched out
As mentioned earlier, sinusitis is an inflammation and swelling that occurs in the sinus cavities. However, what exactly is a sinus cavity? Then, why can the sinuses become inflamed?
The sinuses are air-filled cavities or spaces located in the skull, to be precise behind the forehead, nasal bones, cheeks, and eyes. Healthy sinuses should not contain bacteria or other germs.
In the sinuses, there is mucus or mucus that is useful for keeping moisture in, and allowing air to pass and enter smoothly. If there is a build-up of fluid or mucus in the sinuses, bacteria and germs can develop there more easily.
Bacteria or viruses that infect the sinus walls can cause inflammation and swelling. As a result, sinusitis symptoms such as nasal congestion, cloudy runny nose, and headaches can also arise.
According to an article from StatPearls, here are some types of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that can cause sinusitis:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Haemophilus influenzae
- Anaerobes
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Aspergillus
The sinuses themselves can be divided into 4 parts, namely frontal, maxillary, sphenoid, and ethmoid. The part of the sinuses that is most susceptible to infection is the maxillary sinus.
In addition, sinusitis can be divided into 2 types based on the length of time it lasts:
- Acute sinusitis
Acute sinusitis is generally triggered by a bacterial infection or seasonal allergy which makes it considered more severe than acute sinusitis. This condition will usually last for approximately 4-12 weeks.
- Chronic sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis is arguably the most severe type of sinusitis because symptoms can last more than 12 weeks. This condition is not only caused by viruses or bacteria, but can also occur together with an allergy attack or because of a problem in the inside of the nose.
Then, what are the factors that can cause sinusitis? Here are some conditions, both environmental factors and medical conditions, that can trigger sinusitis:
1. Allergies
Allergies are one of the most common causes of sinus infections. This is because an allergic reaction can result in swelling of the nasal passages. This swelling causes mucus to build up in the sinuses, making it easier for infections to occur.
Allergies can be triggered by many things. Everyone can react to different allergens. However, some of the things that most often cause allergic reactions are dust, mites, animal dander, and pollen.
2. Having a respiratory disease
Other causes that can increase the risk of developing sinusitis are respiratory diseases, such as asthma or cystic fibrosis.
Asthma is an inflammatory respiratory disease that is often associated with sinusitis. It is estimated that nearly half of patients with severe asthma also have chronic sinusitis.
Meanwhile, cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that causes damage to the lungs, digestive system, and other organs of the body. Cystic fibrosis also increases the chances of developing sinusitis due to increased mucus production in the lungs and sinuses.
3. Frequent exposure to cigarette smoke
Cigarette smoke exposure in general is not good for health. However, it turns out that this condition can also be a cause of sinusitis. How can?
Cigarette smoke contains toxic substances such as hydrogen cyanide and ammonia. These substances can affect the walls of your nasal passages, causing a buildup of mucus in them. This makes infection easier to occur.
Plus, the amount of cigarette smoke that is too high in the body can interfere with the body's work in warding off incoming bacteria and viruses. Remember, both active and passive smokers are at risk of developing sinusitis, you know.
4. Has an abnormal nasal structure
Some people have a condition or shape of the nasal cavity that is not like most people. This can make it easier for sinusitis to occur.
Septal deviation or crooked septum is one of the factors causing sinus infection. The septum is a thin bone located in the middle of the bridge of the nose.
Ideally, the septum should be right in the middle, so that the right and left sides of the nose are the same size. However, in some cases, the septum may become too bent and block the opening of the sinus cavity. As a result, sinus infections are easier to occur, and they often recur even though they have healed.
Crooked septum is usually a congenital condition. There is also a nose injury due to an accident.
Apart from deviation of the septum, nasal polyps also play a role in causing sinusitis. Polyps are growths of tissue that can grow in certain parts of the body. If it appears in the nasal passages or sinuses, it is at risk of causing infection.
5. Weakening of the body's immune system
A poor immune system can also be a cause of sinusitis, especially chronic ones triggered by yeast infections.
According to a study from Expert Review of Clinical Immunology, sinusitis caused by a fungal infection Aspergillus found in patients with diabetes, HIV / AIDS, as well as patients who received organ transplants and undergo therapy immunosuppressive.
So, is there a way to prevent sinusitis?
Since the most common cause of sinusitis is not genetic, but environmental, of course there are several ways you can prevent the risk of sinusitis.
- Take care of your health, don't get infected in the respiratory tract. Limit contact with people who have the flu or respiratory infections. Wash hands frequently with running water and soap.
- Avoid things that can make you allergic, such as food, dust, animal dander, or other things. Make sure that you know what causes allergies, so that you limit your contact with these allergens.
- Avoid air pollutants, such as cigarette smoke and vehicle exhaust fumes.
