Credit: GA 30342, Monday : 8:30am–5pm The simplest explanation is that the most common causes of sinusitis—allergies, colds and flu—are very prevalent this time of year. Nasal polyps are small, benign growths that develop from nose or sinus tissues and can cause the sinus cavities to become blocked, preventing mucus from draining and causing sinus infection. Here are 13 things that can cause an acute sinus infection (the most common type) and, in some cases, lead to a chronic sinus infection. Mold can be almost anywhere outdoors: in the soil, compost piles, rotting wood and plants. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Narrow drainage passages, tumors, or a cleft palate can block openings in the sinus, preventing mucus drainage. It worsens symptoms and makes sinusitis more likely. Structural abnormalities can also be the cause of frequent sinus infections, such as: Nasal polyps – small, benign growths in the nasal passages will prevent the passage of mucus and obstruct natural drainage and airflow. The fungus, which is commonly found growing on dead leaves, compost piles and decaying vegetation, may trigger a relatively harmless allergic reaction but can cause … this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Seasonal allergies are another major cause of sinus inflammation. Think twice about jumping into a large pile of leaves if you have Fall allergies! If you are allergic to the dust you will know it right away. If you are prone to sinus infections and want to reduce them, beware of the outside fall chores! You may be suffering from allergic rhinitis or hay fever. Travel a lot for work or pleasure? Upsides. These bacteria lurk in healthy people; they’re waiting for the right circumstances to grow. Sinus infection-sinusitis- and the post nasal drip connection Another common post-nasal drip cause is sinusitis, which may start with sinus pressure. Young children, older adults and people who have asthma, lung disease or heart disease are especially vulnerable to these chemicals. "People who smoke may be at higher risk [of sinus infections], because their natural sinus-cleaning system is damaged by cigarette smoke," says Dr. Hueston. Avoid these irritants as much as possible to reduce the occurrence of sinus infections, particularly if you suffer from allergies or asthma. Here's why a stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis can be so frightening. Teeny holes that connect your nasal passages to your sinuses (basically a collection of hollow, moist cavities that lurk beneath your nose, eyes, and cheeks) get blocked. Take a decongestant during a cold to avoid those circumstances. Sinusitis is caused by an inflammation, or swelling, of the tissue lining of the sinuses. We're loving their inspirational, body-positive messages. What makes autumn such a tough time for allergy sufferers is this is prime time for two of the most troublesome allergens: ragweed pollen and molds. Lastly, if your sinus problems keep coming back, you can ask your doctor about the pros and cons of surgery to clean and drain the sinuses. "Fungi are very unusual causes of sinus infections," says Dr. Hueston. How to handle a physician who doubts or dismisses your symptoms. What causes sinusitis? Sinus Infections can be extremely frustrating and at times difficult to resolve. Stay in your living room and still spike your heart rate. RELATED: 10 Products to Help You Find Sinus Relief. RELATED: 10 Signs You Could Have a Sinus Infection. Chronic allergies can cause long-term swollen and scarred areas of the nasal passages and polyps, according to Dr. Hueston. In some cases, bacteria, or rarely fungus, may cause a sinus infection. Sunday : Closed, Phone : 404-257-7412 Corbis. While sinusitis can occur year-round, it is most prevalent during fall and winter. A single plant can produce up to 1 billion pollen grains, with each grain potentially traveling up to 700 miles in the wind. The symptoms of anxiety can be hard to detect. If you’re prone to sinus infections or congestion, avoid spending long periods in chlorinated pools, as chlorine can irritate your nasal lining and sinuses. "So they accumulate more ‘junk’ in the sinuses, which can clog passages when they have a cold. Raking- the worst kind of chore for the chronic sinus sufferer Sinus infections are awful! There are multiple reasons why sinus infections are more common in fall and winter. Polyps are treated with nasal steroid sprays or a short course of oral steroids, and if steroid treatments don’t work, surgery may be necessary. Then gunk builds up in your sinuses, germs may grow, and you feel, well, hideous. In Georgia, ragweed pollinates from late summer through November. May be used as a treatment for urinary tract infections or at a lower dosage to reduce the recurrence of urinary tract infections. This, along with the colder temperatures outside, are ideal conditions for the viability and replication of cold and influenza viruses, which best survive in low humidity, low temperature conditions. When your immune system is vulnerable, fungi can grow, especially in damp and dark environments—aka your sinuses. Most sinus infections start with a cold. Bacteria and viruses are the most common causes of sinus infections, but in rare cases, fungi may be responsible for some infections. Here are the ones you need to pay attention to, and how to know if you may have an anxiety disorder. "I'm petrified," the actress said when she shared the news that her breast cancer came back. If a cold does not resolve in 10 to 15 days, bacteria may have joined the party. Other conditions such as allergies, nasal polyps, and tooth infections can also contribute to sinus pain and symptoms. Raking or moving leaves can stir up resting pollen and mold. Treatments may include surgery to remove the fungi, antifungal therapy, or scraping the infected sinus. This thicker mucus, or an impaired ability to fight germs due to diabetes or HIV infection, can set the stage for sinus infections. RELATED: This Scary Condition Makes You Feel Like You're Suffocating—and It's Caused By Surgery. If you suspect you have a sinus infection or if you have recurring symptoms, give the Sinus Institute of Atlanta a call at (404) 257-7512 to request an office consultation with Dr. Sinha. Surgery is used as a last resort or for severe infections. How to Tell the Difference. Fall has arrived, and while you may enjoy the beautiful foliage and pleasant, crisp evenings, you don’t feel so well. Health.com may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. 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