Baltimore City Wire

• Sinusitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungus and allergies. 
• Symptoms of sinusitis often include yellow or green nasal drainage, facial pressure and pain, nasal congestion, bad breath, coughing up mucus, and in some cases, fever and chills.
• When sinusitis persists for more than three months, it is classified as chronic sinusitis.

Statistically, women may be more susceptible to sinus issues and sinusitis compared to men. According to Dr. Jamie Oberman of Frederick Breathe Free, sinusitis affects many people, regardless of who they are.

“Sinusitis usually starts with a virus, and then it can evolve into bacterial secondary recurrent infections, as well as chronic infections, which have specific criteria that you have to meet; but it's a significant problem that affects the population and quality of life as a result,” Dr. Obermand told the Baltimore City Wire. “It doesn't discriminate as far as age, race or gender; it affects everyone.”

Nasal inflammation, also referred to as sinusitis, involves the inflammation or swelling of the sinus lining, according to the American Sinus Institute. This condition can obstruct air passages, leading to increased mucus production and the potential for infection. It's a relatively common issue, often triggered by something as ordinary as the common cold.

Sinusitis tends to affect women more than men, according to JNJ Med Tech. It is estimated that sinusitis affects 16% of women each year, compared to 10% of men. Overall, chronic sinusitis affects 35 million people per year. 

Gender differences can also influence the symptoms experienced as a result of sinusitis. According to the Consequences of Chronic Rhinosinusitis on Blood Pressure study, it was concluded that 2% of men and 4% of women who experience inflammation of sinus also experience a significant increase in blood pressure, especially in patient groups over 50 years of age.

While there is no consensus on why women experience sinusitis more frequently than men, several theories have emerged. Some researchers propose that women's greater willingness to report symptoms and seek medical care may contribute to this discrepancy. Additionally, factors such as differences in tobacco susceptibility, hormonal influences, and smaller sinus ostia have been speculated to increase women's overall susceptibility to sinusitis.

According to Frederick Breathe Free's website, Dr. Jamie Oberman earned his bachelor's degree from Boston College. He pursued graduate studies at Tufts Medical School through the Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program. After completing medical school, he had a career in the Navy until his retirement in 2017, when he transitioned to comprehensive Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) medicine.