Why Do I Get Sinus Infections So Often?

People often associate sinus infections with colds and flu. However, other issues can trigger this uncomfortable problem, and even cause recurring infections.

Fortunately, the team at Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Associates has the expertise you need to treat sinusitis. 

Do you keep getting sinus infections? Here are a few leading causes of chronic sinusitis.

How sinusitis works

When you have sinusitis, an infection develops in the lining of your sinuses, the pairs of hollow spaces inside your head behind your nose and eyes. The sinuses then become swollen and inflamed.

Common signs of sinusitis include:

• Pain, swelling, and tenderness in the face
• Postnasal drip
• Runny nose
• Congestion
• Reduced smell and taste
• Headache
• Ear pain
• Aching teeth or bad breath
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Fatigue

When these symptoms last less than four weeks, you have acute sinusitis. However, the condition is chronic if they last 12 weeks or longer.

Some people also develop recurring sinusitis. This describes having at least three cases of acute sinusitis each year. 

If your sinusitis is chronic or recurring, getting to the source of the problem can lead to effective treatment options.

Causes of sinusitis

For something you can’t see, your sinuses have an important job. These air-filled pockets produce the mucus that keeps particles, like bacteria, out of the air you breathe. 

In many cases, a cold triggers a sinus infection. Why? The nasal passages become inflamed, leading to blockages in the sinuses. When this occurs, bacteria can grow, causing an infection. 

But other issues can cause blockages as well. Additional causes of sinusitis include:

• Enlarged adenoids
• Structural abnormalities in the nose, like polyps or a deviated septum
• Injuries to the nose or the presence of foreign objects
• Infected teeth
• Secondhand smoke
• Swimming and diving

Yet another frequent cause of sinus infections is allergies.

Managing sinusitis

Approximately 31 million Americans seek help for sinusitis symptoms each year. If you have acute, persistent, or recurring symptoms, here’s how our team can help.

At Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Associates, we perform a diagnostic evaluation to identify the cause of sinus symptoms in people of all ages. This could also include allergy testing.

Once we clearly understand what’s behind your symptoms, we create a treatment strategy tailored to your unique needs.

Common treatments for sinusitis include:

• Taking medications, like antibiotics or corticosteroids
• Managing asthma and allergies with medications or immunotherapy
• Using a humidifier in the home
• Trying nasal irrigation or sprays
• Avoiding irritants, like tobacco smoke or environmental pollutants
• Washing your hands frequently to avoid infections

If we detect nasal issues that are causing sinus blockages, we could also recommend surgical solutions.

Do you keep getting sinus infections? Our team can help get sinusitis under control. Contact Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Associates by phone or book online to schedule a visit with one of our experts in Tampa or Brandon, Florida, today.