What causes recurring sinusitis?

Anatomy or swelling: Simply put recurrent sinusitis can occur from 1) an anatomic abnormality that blocks the sinus from draining (like a deviated septum) 2) the lining to the sinuses may become inflamed and swell and close the sinus opening ( this is usually related to allergy). Medical therapy is the first line treatment but many times, anatomic issues need to be addressed with surgery.

Virus and anatomy: For true cases of recurrent bacterial sinusitis there usually are structural problems narrowing the sinus drainage routes.These openings are lined with mucous membrane.If these are too small and allergy or virus makes membrane swollen then narrow opening becomes obstructed trapping mucous which gets infected.Aggressive symptoms mgmt to keep swelling down and openings open may prevent infection.