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Complications

By Mayo Clinic staff

Chronic sinusitis complications include:

  • Asthma flare ups. Chronic sinusitis can trigger an asthma attack.
  • Meningitis, an infection that causes inflammation of the membranes and fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord.
  • Vision problems. If infection spreads to your eye socket, it can cause reduced vision or even blindness that can be permanent.
  • Aneurysms or blood clots. Infection can cause problems in the veins surrounding the sinuses, interfering with blood supply to your brain putting you at risk of a stroke.
References
  1. Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters for Allergy and Immunology. The diagnosis and management of sinusitis: A practice parameter update. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 2005; 116(6)(suppl):13-47.
  2. Hamilos D, et al. Clinical manifestations, pathophysiology, and diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 24, 2008.
  3. Leung R, et al. The diagnosis and management of acute and chronic sinusitis. Primary Care Clinics. 2008;35:11-24.
  4. Hamilos D, et al. Management of chronic rhinosinusitis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 24, 2008.

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Oct. 11, 2008

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