The causes of sinusitis are many, yet most are predictable.
Severe viral, bacterial and fungal infections can often lead to facial swelling, chronic sinusitis headaches, mucus discharge and even infection of the mucus linings and blockage of the ostium cavities.
However, infection by micro-organisms is not the only reason for sinusitis.
Anatomical causes are also a contributor to sinus infections and as we will see, in some cases they might prove to be dangerous unless treated immediately and in some cases surgically.
There are three small projections of the bone inside the nose which are called turbinates.
These turbinates help by providing an increased surface area, so that more warm and humid air can pass through the nasal linings.
However when affected by allergens, they swell, causing a restriction of the air way, thus leading to malfunctioning of the nasal drainage system.
Their swelling might as well obstruct the mucus flow leading to stagnation of mucus that causes further bacterial infection.
Another anatomical variation called Concha Bullosa occurs by the formation of an air pocket in the middle turbinate.
Although this form of sinusitis doesn't have many symptoms, a CT scan would spot this as a round bubble that has a bony lining.
This space causes pressure inside and subsequently facial pain leading to blocking of the nasal passages.
Endoscopic sinus surgery, whereby the surgeon inserts a thin tube with a light source inside to spot the cause of blockage and then removes it surgically can cure this condition.
Pear shaped, semi-translucent outgrowths of the nasal mucus linings called polyps can also cause sinusitis.
They are caused by damage to the matrix of connective tissue that holds the mucus linings together.
Usually pale or white in color these nasal polyps are common with those suffering from asthma.
As the damaged lining starts to store mucus, it sags and might obstruct the nasal pathway.
It gets serious when the polyps get infected with virus and bacteria.
One of the main symptoms of sinusitis caused by nasal polyps is the persons' inability to smell, along with congestion, and constant nasal drip.
Facial pain and itching eyes also indicate the same.
The partition between the right and the left nostril is called septum and it is made of cartilaginous bone.
An injury to it during playing or any other activity might cause its displacement owing to its delicate nature.
This disturbs the whole mucus drainage system and may lead to mucus stagnation.
Many people have a slight septum deviation which is not serious.
However, when it starts affecting the breathing and nasal space, it has to be corrected through an operation called septoplasty.
Thus we see that there are many anatomical defects that could lead to sinusitis as well.
Most of them can be treated by surgery.
However, one must ensure that the initial sinusitis problem is not aggravated by infection and inflammation from bacteria, virus or fungi.
Furry pets can also cause an allergy.
Pollen of plants is dangerous for the same reason.
Allergens usually cause itchy eyes and a constantly running nose which is very unpleasant.
Mold, which grows in warm and humid areas of the house causes rhinitis leading to sinusitis.
This can be avoided by keeping the house clean and avoiding leaving any corners warm and wet, which could be conducive to the bacterial growth.
As you can see from this brief analysis of the causes of sinusitis; lifestyle, birth defects, injury, plants, diet and even choice of pets can greatly impact the severity and longevity of sinusitis.