En Español (Spanish Version)
by Carson-DeWitt R
Risk Factors for Sinusitis
A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition.
It is possible to develop sinusitis with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing sinusitis. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your doctor what you can do to reduce your risk.
Risk factors for sinusitis include the following:
Smoking
Smoking
and being exposed to second-hand smoke increases your risk of developing sinusitis.
Certain Medical Conditions
The following medical conditions increase your chances of getting sinusitis:
-
A recent
cold
- Medication, such as prolonged use of decongestant sprays
-
Nasal obstruction due to:
- Allergies
-
Certain chronic illnesses, including:
- Head injury
or a medical condition requiring a tube inserted in the nose
Gender
Women have a greater chance of developing sinusitis than men.
Ethnic Background
Whites and blacks have a higher risk of developing sinusitis than do Hispanics.
Environmental Factors
- Traveling to high altitudes
- Air pollution
- Living in the Midwest or southern United States
Activities
Flying and diving both increase your chance of getting sinusitis.
References
Rakel RE, Bope ET.
Conn’s Current Therapy.
54th ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Company; 2002.
Sinus infection (sinusitis). National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
website. Available at:
http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/topics/sinusitis/
.
Accessed September 12, 2008.