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 | Amy Fackler, MA |
| Author | Debby Golonka, MPH |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Associate Editor | Terrina Vail |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Renée M. Crichlow, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Charles M. Myer, III, MD - Otolaryngology |
| Last Updated | August 22, 2006 |
Debby Golonka, MPH
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