These secretions are directed towards the natural openings by the ciliary movements of the epithelial lining which are then carried to the posterior part of the nose and then swallowed into the gut. Gastric secretions in the stomach kill organisms that have been ingested. The sinus openings get blocked because of mucosal oedema. The cilia of the lining epithelium move slowly and the secretions accumulate in the sinuses. Bacterial organisms multiply which result in symptoms of sinusitis.
Common cold is due to viral infection.
This is true because it all depends on general levels of immunity and the nutritional status of the person affected. Nasal secretions will be clear with the person experiencing mild fever, body aches and episodes of headache. If the secretions turn purulent, then it indicates that there is a bacterial invasion. If it is associated with continuous fever, an ENT surgeon should be consulted because if the infection is not treated in time at this stage, it may cause chronic sinusitis. Conditions that precipitate rhinosinusitis may range from common cold to malignant diseases.