What causes sinusitis?

    Last Updated: October 25, 2023

    The common cold virus is the most common cause of acute sinusitis. Bacterial sinusitis is usually caused by Haemophilus influenzae, and less commonly by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, or anaerobic bacteria. Chronic sinusitis is most commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus or multiple bacteria, while fungal sinusitis is most commonly seen in immunocompromised patients and caused by Aspergillus.[1] Physiologically, sinusitis develops when clearance of mucus is impaired and and the nasal cavity is abnormal or not functioning properly.[2]

    References

    1. ^Battisti AS, Modi P, Pangia JSinusitisStatPearls.(2023-01)
    2. ^He Y, Fu Y, Wu Y, Zhu T, Li HPathogenesis and treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis from the perspective of sinonasal epithelial dysfunction.Front Med (Lausanne).(2023)