The main cause of acute sinuses (sinusitis) is most often the common cold, which is a viral infection.
When you catch a cold, the virus inflames the lining of your nasal passages. This inflammation can block the sinus openings, preventing the normal drainage of mucus. This blockage creates an environment where bacteria or, less commonly, fungi can thrive, leading to a secondary infection and causing sinusitis.
Here's a breakdown:
- Common Cold: The primary culprit in acute sinusitis.
- Inflammation: The cold virus causes swelling in the nasal passages.
- Blockage: Swelling blocks sinus openings, trapping mucus.
- Infection: Trapped mucus becomes a breeding ground for bacteria or fungi.
- Sinusitis: The resulting infection of the sinuses.
It's important to note that while the common cold is the most frequent trigger for acute sinusitis, chronic sinusitis can have other contributing factors such as:
- Nasal polyps
- Deviated septum
- Allergies
- Underlying immune system problems
In summary, while various factors can contribute to sinus problems, the common cold is the most common cause of acute sinusitis.
