Many patients with chronic sinusitis also suffer from polyps which are benign growths within the nasal passage. Polyps can be difficult to treat successfully, and often recur unless adequate therapy is started. Sinusitis is sometimes associated with other medical conditions. Bronchial asthma is frequently worsened by sinusitis. Persons with chronic sinusitis may also develop problems with recurrent bronchitis.
Sinuses have mucus drainage pathways that can become acutely or chronically obstructed.
Once these pathways are blocked, bacterial or viral infection can develop quickly. Other underlying causes for sinusitis include trauma, congenital abnormalities of the anatomy, and immune suppression. A specialist in allergic diseases may be able to determine by certain tests whether your sinusitis is aggravated by allergy to something in the environment. Various medicines can help relieve an isolated bout of sinusitis. These include antibiotics, nasal steroids, and antihistamine decongestants.