Topic Overview
Complications resulting from
sinusitis are relatively rare. But when
complications do 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
| By | Healthwise Staff |
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| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
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| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Donald R. Mintz, MD - Otolaryngology |
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| Last Revised | September 12, 2012 |
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