Sinus blockage can have various environmental, anatomical, and genetic causes, but the main culprit is often the swelling of the nasal passages caused by common colds or allergies. More serious forms of sinusitis can stem from structural issues like a deviated septum, which is a misalignment in the partition separating the right and left nasal cavities. Harvard Health provides insights into these complications.

Acute bronchitis typically begins with a viral infection affecting the mouth, throat, nose, ears, and sinuses. Unlike pneumonia, it does not impact the lungs. Most acute bronchitis cases are virus-induced, though bacteria can also be a cause. The primary symptom of bronchitis is a persistent cough. For more details, visit Harvard Health.

Sinusitis is commonly triggered by viruses or bacteria. The key to treatment lies in restoring the drainage of the narrow sinus channels, which, when blocked, lead to sinusitis. Blockage is the main reason we experience sinusitis, as explained by Harvard Health.

Undertreated allergies can lead to chronic sinus infections, which in turn cause coughing due to postnasal drip. This suggests the importance of addressing allergies to prevent chronic sinusitis. Chronic bronchitis, resulting from cumulative lung damage, causes the airways to swell and produce excessive mucus, which can also lead to persistent coughing. More information is available at Harvard Health.

Differentiating between a sinus infection and COVID-19 can be challenging due to overlapping symptoms. Sinus infections often present with significant facial pain/pressure, while COVID-19 symptoms include fatigue, cough, shortness of breath, and possibly gastrointestinal issues. For further guidance, refer to Ohio State Health & Discovery.

Sinusitis, often a complication of a common cold, can lead to bacterial infections if sinus cavity openings become clogged. This might necessitate antibiotic treatment. Symptoms include pressure in the face, nasal discharge, an unpleasant taste in the mouth, pain in the upper teeth, fever, sore throat, or cough. More details can be found at Penn State Student Affairs.

In susceptible patients, viral infections can lead to sinusitis, often marked by a sudden loss of smell. This occurs when a virus disrupts the nose and sinuses’ ability to drain properly. For more information, visit UConn Health.

Chronic sinusitis is a long-term inflammation of the sinuses, typically occurring when the flow from the sinuses is obstructed, leading to mucus buildup. For comprehensive information on chronic sinusitis, see Harvard Health.