Risk Factors for Sinusitis

June 10, 2008 - 7:30am

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Risk Factors for Sinusitis

A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition.

It is possible to develop sinusitis with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing sinusitis. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your doctor what you can do to reduce your risk.

Risk factors for sinusitis include the following:

Smoking

]]>Smoking]]> and being exposed to second-hand smoke increases your risk of developing sinusitis.

Certain Medical Conditions

The following medical conditions increase your chances of getting sinusitis:

A recent ]]>cold]]>
Medication, such as prolonged use of decongestant sprays
Nasal obstruction due to:
- ]]>Polyps]]>
- ]]>Deviated septum]]>
- Facial bone abnormalities
- Swollen adenoids
- ]]>Cleft palate]]>
- Tumor
Allergies
Certain chronic illnesses, including:
- ]]>Cystic fibrosis]]>
- Kartagener’s syndrome (a disorder of the cilia throughout the body)
- ]]>Wegener's granulomatosis]]>
- ]]>AIDS]]>
- ]]>Diabetes]]>
- Immobile cila syndrome
]]>Head injury]]> or a medical condition requiring a tube inserted in the nose

Age

In general, elderly people and young people have a higher risk of developing ]]>respiratory tract infections]]> , including sinusitis.

Gender

Women have a greater chance of developing sinusitis than men.

Ethnic Background

Whites and blacks have a higher risk of developing sinusitis than do Hispanics.

Environmental Factors

Traveling to high altitudes
Air pollution
Living in the Midwest or southern United States

Activities

Flying and diving both increase your chance of getting sinusitis.

References:

Rakel RE, Bope ET. Conn’s Current Therapy. 54th ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Company; 2002.

Sinus infection (sinusitis). National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases website. Available at: http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/topics/sinusitis/ . Accessed September 12, 2008.

Last reviewed July 2008 by ]]>Elie Edmond Rebeiz, MD, FACS]]>

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.