Q Why does sinusitis develop? Is it caused by bacteria?
A It usually begins when a cold virus blocks the sinus drainage opening, allowing a secondary bacterial infection to take hold. In chronic cases, mucosal inflammation and structural problems are the main causes rather than bacteria.
Detailed Answer
How It Develops
After a viral cold, the sinus lining swells and blocks the ostiomeatal complex (OMC). In the resulting oxygen-deprived space, bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae multiply. When allergic rhinitis, a deviated septum, or nasal polyps are present, drainage is repeatedly obstructed and the condition can progress to a chronic state.
Korean Medicine Perspective
At Dongjedang, we understand that external wind-cold (oegam pung-han) transforms into heat (hwa-yeol) within the body, generating lung heat (pye-yeol). When this combines with damp-phlegm (seup-dam), pus accumulates in the sinuses. In a constitutional pattern of heat above and cold below (sangyeol-hahan), heat concentrates in the head and face, increasing the frequency of onset.
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