Anatomical causes of sinusitis

Anatomical causes of sinusitis refer to structural developments in the sinuses due to disorders such as infections. They differ from person to person depending on the affected area, either the sinuses or the nostrils. They usually prevent proper drainage and cause breathing difficulties. The most common anatomical causes of sinusitis include:

• Deviated Septum
  This happens when the septum is injured and swells causing blockage or nasal obstruction. A septum is the cartilage that is in-between the two nasal passages of the nose, dividing them into two cavities. In severe cases, blocked nasal passages can affect normal clearing of the sinuses which can lead to sinusitis. A deviated septum can be corrected with an operation called a Septoplasty.
  
  
• Abnormal Turbinates
  Any abnormalities to the turbinate can also cause blockage to the nasal passages. Turbinates are three thin, bony plates within the sinus cavities. Their purpose is to provide increased surface area in the nasal passages and to warm and humidify air that passes through them. When the turbinates encounter allergens they tend to swell and cause obstruction preventing proper nasal drainage.
  
  
• Concha Bullosa
  A concha bullosa is a balloon-like structure that develops in the middle turbinate with a thin, bony lining. This condition usually does not cause physical symptoms, but there may be facial pain or pressure and nasal blockage. A concha bullosa is easily corrected with an Endoscopic sinus surgery.
  
  
• Nasal Polyps
  Nasal polyps are lesions occurring in masses inside the nasal or sinus cavities, especially the Maxillary sinuses. They are smooth, pear-shaped transparent growths that cause nasal congestion, loss of smell/taste, facial pain and itchy eyes. They are commonly found in middle-aged men and asthmatic people seem to have a higher incidence of nasal polyps than the average population.
  
  
• Enlarged adenoids and tonsils
  Adenoids and tonsils are collections of lymphoid tissue that help the body fight infection. Tonsils are located on both sides at the back of the throat and are visible through the mouth, whereas adenoids are located higher and further back where the nasal passages connect with the throat and are not visible through the mouth. Most enlarged tonsils and adenoids have no symptoms however, some people may experience sore throat and discomfort or pain when swallowing. Enlarged adenoids and tonsils are considered a problem when they cause more serious conditions such as sinusitis.
  
  
• Tumors
  Sinus tumors are rare but they do occur. They appear as shades of gray growths different from the normal tissues in the sinuses, affecting the normal flow of air. They can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) tumors appearing as hard lumps on the sinus linings. These tumors usually block the ostia (the opening in the sinuses) causing stagnant secretions which later causes a sinus infection. Surgery is considered the best treatment for tumors but in many cases surgery treatment has a poor prognosis for malignant tumors.