Other Medical Conditions Affecting the Sinuses
A number of medical conditions put people at risk for chronic sinusitis. They include:
- Diabetes
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Nasal polyps or septal deviation
- AIDS and other disorders of the immune system predispose the patient to sinusitis (fungal infections are especially risky)
- Pregnancy -- may cause temporary congestion and symptoms of sinusitis
- Hypothyroidism -- causes congestion that clears up when the condition is treated
- Cystic fibrosis -- a genetic disorder in which the mucus is very thick and builds up
- Kartagener's syndrome
- Wegener's granulomatosis -- a serious but very rare illness that causes long-term swelling and tumor-like masses in air passages
Miscellaneous Risk Factors
Dental Problems. Anaerobic bacteria are associated with infections from dental problems or procedures, which precipitate about 10% of cases of sinusitis.
Changes in Atmospheric Pressure. People who experience changes in atmospheric pressure, such as while flying, climbing to high altitudes, or swimming, risk sinus blockage and therefore an increased chance of developing sinusitis. (Swimming increases the risk for sinusitis for other reasons, as well.)
Cigarette Smoke and Other Air Pollutants. Air pollution from industrial chemicals, cigarette smoke, or other pollutants can damage the cilia responsible for moving mucus through the sinuses. Whether air pollution is an important cause of sinusitis and, if so, which pollutants are critical factors is still not clear. Cigarette smoke, for example, poses a small but increased risk for sinusitis in adults. Second-hand smoke does not appear to have any significant effect on adult sinuses, although it does seem to pose a risk for sinusitis in children.
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