What Are the Causes of Sinus Infections & Allergies?

The nose is one of the most sensitive areas on the human body and has four nasal cavities known as the frontal sinuses, maxillary sinuses, ethmoid sinuses and sphenoid sinuses. Each of these sinuses has an opening to the nose and is joined along with the nasal passages by a thin lining of mucous membrane. Anything that irritates the nose or causes inflammation, like an infection or allergies, can affect the sinuses. Often, discomfort such as pressure within the sinuses, sneezing, and coughing occur. Mucous that is greenish in color is often a sign of a sinus infection. Both of these conditions can be cleared up with medications like antibiotics and antihistamines.

Colds

• Colds are one of the most common ways that a person can develop a sinus infection. A cold causes inflammation in the nasal passages and inhibits nasal drainage, causing stuffiness and pressure within the nasal passage. Sinus drainage builds up because of the inflammation and forms a sinus infection. When a sinus infection occurs, antibiotics are given to treat it.

Flu

• Getting the flu can also cause a sinus infection. When the flu invades the body, mucous fills the nose so that the invading virus can be flushed out of the body. The extra mucous causes the nose to inflame, which then causes a sinus infection. Noses are a sensitive part on the body and are very susceptible to catching viral infections that lead to sinus infections.

Dust Particles

• Whether indoor or outdoor, dust particles and irritants in the air can cause sinus infections and allergies. Dust particles can collect inside the nasal cavity. These particles irritate the nose, causing a person to sneeze or have watery eyes and is also known as allergies. Allergies can become severe, blocking drainage from the nose. When this happens, a sinus infection occurs. Antihistamines like Benadryl are commonly used to block allergies or lessen the symptoms associated with allergies.

Nasal Polyps or Blockage

• Nasal polyps are swollen, inflamed mucous membranes that form inside the nasal cavity and cause blockage of air flow. Nasal polyps occur more often in people with allergies. When a nasal blockage occurs, this allows bacteria to grow inside the nasal cavity, and the result is a sinus infection. Nasal congestion is one of the common side effects of a sinus infection.

Pollen

• During spring, flowers are pollinated by insects or wind. Wind-blown pollen is the worst for causing allergies. Wind blows pollen into the air allowing people to breath it in through the nose. Pollen collects inside the nasal cavity, and many with allergies begin to sneeze and have itchy, watery eyes.

Animals

• Cats and dogs are two of the most common animals that cause allergies. Cats and dogs can release fur and skin particles into the air known as pet dander. Pet dander causes nasal allergies in some people when it is inhaled through the nose.

Dust Mites

• Dust mites are small, tiny bugs that live inside homes and are too small for the naked eye to see. Dust mites live on curtains, blankets, mattresses and in carpets. Droppings that are left by dust mites are sent through the air when vacuuming or dusting. These droppings are then inhaled through the nasal cavity, causing irritation and allergies. Dust mites are one of the main causes of indoor allergies.