Complications of sinusitis
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Complications of sinusitis
Complications resulting from sinusitis are relatively rare. However, when complications occur, they may be life-threatening and often require extensive medical or surgical treatment.
The complications of sinusitis usually involve the spread of the infection beyond the sinuses.
- The facial bones can become infected (osteomyelitis), or the lining of the brain can become infected (meningitis).
- The infection can spread outside the sinus and create a pocket of pus (abscess) in an eye socket, the brain, or facial tissue.
Sinusitis may also increase symptoms of asthma and other lifelong (chronic) lung diseases. Sinus infections are a common problem for people who have asthma. Treating sinusitis may also help control the symptoms of asthma.
Credits
| Author | Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Denele Ivins |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Donald R. Mintz, MD - Otolaryngology |
| Last Updated | August 15, 2008 |
| Last updated: | August 15, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Donald R. Mintz, MD - Otolaryngology |
| Editors: | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC |
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