What are some possible causes of sinusitis?
Infection of the sinuses usually starts with a viral upper respiratory infection, commonly known as the common cold. The cold virus can cause damage to the lining of the sinus, predisposing the tissues to colonization with bacteria, a virus, or fungal spores. When infected by a pathogen or inflamed by allergies, the sinuses may become blocked with mucus or by swelling of the mucosal lining. In addition, if the small hairs, or cilia, located in the lining of the sinuses are not working properly, the mucus will not be efficiently removed from the sinuses, resulting in mucus accumulation and thickening, with resultant sinusitis. Although viral upper respiratory infections are the most common cause of acute sinusitis, people with uncontrolled allergies have a higher likelihood of developing sinusitis. Allergies trigger inflammation of the nose and lining of the sinuses, resulting in swelling and obstruction of the mucus flow patterns. This inflammation also prevents the sinus cavities from
