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.
| Author: | Amy Fackler, MA Debby Golonka, MPH Carrie Henley | Last Updated: May 14, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Renée M. Crichlow, MD - Family Medicine Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Tom Bailey, MD - Family Medicine Charles M. Myer, III, MD - Otolaryngology | |
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