(BlackDoctor.org) — Along with all the problems caused by asthma, having sinusitis — or sinus infections — can be tough to handle. It can make you feel sick and miserable. Without good treatment, it can last for months or even years. What’s worse, one condition can worsen the other. Sinusitis has been associated with more severe cases of asthma. So not only does having asthma increase the odds of getting a sinus infection, but a sinus infection can make your asthma harder to control.
But there’s good news. There are lots of treatments available for both sinus infections and asthma. And studies show that treating one condition often helps relieve the symptoms of the other. The key is to treat both conditions aggressively.
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What is sinusitis?
While there are many sinuses in your body, the term is often used to refer to the paranasal sinuses. These are a group of four hollow cavities in your face, near the cheeks and eyes. They’re connected to the nasal passageways and help warm up, moisten and filter the air you breathe in. Sinusitis is the swelling or infection of these sinuses.
Just like the lining of your nose, the sinuses can become irritated and swollen by allergens, viruses, or bacterial infections. Common triggers of sinusitis include:
- A cold or viral infection
- Air pollution, smog
- Airborne allergens
- Dry or cold air
- Ozone
When the tissue in the sinuses gets irritated, it produces mucus. If enough mucus and trapped air builds up, you feel painful pressure in the sinuses. These are the familiar signs of a sinus headache.
Symptoms of sinusitis vary, depending on which sinuses are affected. But some common signs are pain in these areas:
- Forehead
- Upper jaw and teeth
- Area around the eyes
- Neck, ear, and on the top of the head
Severe sinusitis can also cause: