Another risk for acute bacterial sinusitis is diving or swimming in polluted water. Even chlorinated water can increase risk since it reduces the beating of the microscopic cilia that line the nose and sinuses and facilitate mucus drainage.
Pregnancy and Sinusitis
During pregnancy, many women experience rhinitis of pregnancy, an inflammation of the nasal lining that blocks mucus drainage. This condition is due to natural hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. Women who take birth control pills may experience similar nasal symptoms. The nasal congestion associated with rhinitis of pregnancy can be mistaken for a sinus infection. However, there is no evidence that pregnant women are more likely to contract sinusitis. When they do, treatment can be problematic because of the pregnancy. In some cases, a saltwater nasal spray or nonprescription decongestant spray can safely open nasal passages. If an infection develops, an antibiotic may be necessary. If you are pregnant, check with your obstetrician before using any medication.
Children and Sinusitis
Adults who live or work with young children are susceptible to repeated episodes of colds and bacterial sinus infections. Because young children are more likely to carry bacteria that have developed resistance to antibiotics, adults who catch an infection from a young child may not respond to first-line antibiotics like erythromycin, sulfa drugs, and amoxicillin. A culture grown in a laboratory can guide the selection of the right antibiotic treatment.
Smoking and Sinusitis
An adult produces approximately one liter of mucus a day in the nose and sinuses, most of which is carried through the nose and down the back of the throat where it is swallowed. We are generally unaware of this constant cleansing movement, which is facilitated by microscopic hairs called cilia that beat inside nasal and sinus passages. Cigarette smoke, however, slows down the sweeping action of the cilia. The thin mucus blanket that covers the nose and sinus lining thickens, and postnasal drainage can become quite thick and noticeable. Smokers are less likely than non-smokers to have the same degree of improvement after sinus surgery. Exposure to secondhand smoke can cause similar problems – even if you are not yourself a smoker.
This image depicts smoke traveling through the nasal cavity
The link is from www.sinusinfocenter.com
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