Risk Factors for Acute Sinusitis
You may be at increased risk of getting sinusitis if you have:
- Hay fever or another allergic condition that affects your sinuses
- A nasal passage abnormality, such as a deviated nasal septum, nasal polyps or tumors
- A medical condition such as cystic fibrosis, GERD or an immune system disorder such as immunoglobulin or antibody deficiency
- Regular exposure to pollutants such as cigarette smoke
Complications of Acute Sinusitis
Acute sinusitis complications include:
- Asthma flare-ups: Acute sinusitis can trigger an asthma attack.
- Chronic sinusitis: Acute sinusitis may be a flare-up of a long-term problem known as chronic sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis is sinusitis that lasts longer than eight weeks.
- Meningitis: This occurs when infection spreads to the lining of the brain.
- Vision problems: If infection spreads to your eye socket, it can cause reduced vision or even blindness. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment to prevent potentially permanent damage.
- Ear infection: Acute sinusitis may occur with an ear infection.
