Sinusitis(also known as a sinus infection) andchronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)are closely linked.
On the one hand, COPD increases the risk of sinusitis and can make symptoms worse.
On the other, sinusitis can triggerCOPD exacerbationsand worsen breathing problems you already have.
BSIP / UIG / Getty Images
Medications commonly used to treat sinusitis can help ease symptoms and avoid triggering a COPD flare-up.
The article describes the symptoms of COPD-associated sinusitis and why they occur.
It also explains how sinusitis is diagnosed and treated if you have COPD.
These symptoms can be amplified when coupled withCOPD symptoms.
With COPD, the infection can sometimes spread to the lower airways, causingbronchitis or pneumonia.
Even in the absence of bronchitis or pneumonia, frequent sinus infections can lead to more frequent COPD exacerbations.
Sinusitis can make COPD worse to the point where hospitalization is needed.
Among them, COPD is associated with impaired immunity as well as difficulty clearing infections.
It can make infections harder to clear and more likely to recur.
Sinus symptoms also tend to be worse if you have COPD.
2018;73(9):1784-1791.doi.10.1111/all.13453
