Frequent Sinus Infections: Why Do They Keep Returning?

Introduction

While many people experience occasional sinus infections, some patients develop repeated infections throughout the year.

Patients with four or more sinus infections per year may have underlying sinus disease requiring evaluation.

Possible Causes

• Chronic sinus inflammation

• Nasal polyps

• Deviated septum

• Allergies

• Structural obstruction of sinus openings

Evaluation

Assessment may include:

• Nasal endoscopy

• CT scan of the sinuses

• Allergy testing

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include medications or surgical treatment.

Sources

• European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps (EPOS 2020)

• American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery