Chemical Pollution Triggers Sinus Infections

Imagine taking a morning jog around your neighborhood. You decide to stop by a nearby friend's house to ask him or her to join you and notice that his or her house is being painted. As you approach the doorstep, breathing heavily, you deeply inhale the intoxicating fumes of the paint and begin coughing uncontrollably to the point where you run to get as far away from your friend's house as possible. This scenario is an example of how chemical pollution can irritate your sinuses, leading to a sinus infection.

A sinus infection or sinusitis occurs when one's sinuses and nasal passages become inflamed. Sinusitis is classified as either acute (described above) with episodes lasting up to 10 days for as long as eight weeks and three times per year; or chronic with episodes lasting for over 20 days for more than eight weeks and over four times per year. The symptoms of a sinus infection include persistent coughing, a constant running nose, and worst of all, pressure behind the eyes, nose, cheeks, and side of the head.

Sinus infections are caused by a common cold, the flu or a virus in the upper respiratory system. Of most concern, chemical pollutants and allergens trigger acute sinus infections by working in the following manner: chemical pollutants become trapped in the sinus cavity and block the drainage of mucus through the nasal passage allowing the growth of bacteria (Streptoccus Pneumoniae, Haemophilus Influenza, and Moraxella Catarrhalis) that trigger sinus irritation or an infection. Common types of chemical pollutants include pesticides, automobile fume, factory chemical disposal, paint, glue, perfumes, detergents, building and office materials (toxins from carpet, insulation, computers, and copy machines), and cleaning fluids. Exposure to high concentrations of these pollutants is not only harmful to the sinuses but is also linked to asthma, cancer, a weakened immune system, neurological disorders, learning disabilities, and infertility.

Taking into account these factors, the steps to preventing sinusitis and other ailments are to avoid chemicals and to use them sparingly or not at all. This is possible by wearing protective masks when you know that chemicals such as pesticides will be present. The next step involves using chemical-free products on a regular basis. Examples of such products include vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice that can be used to clean microwaves and showers as well as to remove spills from clothing. By taking these steps to control chemical pollution, individuals will increase their chances of living longer, healthier lives.

Sources

"Causes of Sinus Infection." Sinus Infection Help.

Immig, Jo, ed. "Sources of Chemical Exposure in Schools." 1-3.

Sinclair, Wayne, and Richard Pressinger. "Chemicals and Effects Upon Health." 1-3.

"Sinusitis: Causes, Symptoms, Tests, and Treatment."WebMd.

"The Queen of Clean: Cleaning Tips." The Queen of Clean.