Green mucous indicates a sinus infection:
No. It does not indicate a sinus infection. It only indicates that there is something compromising the immune system by either a bacteria or virus. Acute sinusitis usually follows a viral infection in the upper
respiratory tract, but allergy-causing substances (allergens) or
pollutants may also trigger acute sinusitis. Viral infection damages the
cells of the sinus lining, leading to inflammation. The lining
thickens, obstructing the nasal passage. This passage connects to the
sinuses. The obstruction disrupts the process that removes bacteria
normally present in the nasal passages, and the bacteria begin to
multiply and invade the lining of the sinus. This causes the symptoms of
sinus infection. Allergens and pollutants produce a similar effect.
Bacteria that normally cause acute sinusitis are
Streptococcus pneumoniae,
Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis. These microorganisms, along
with Staphylococcus aureus and some anaerobes (bacteria that live without oxygen), are involved in chronic sinusitis. Fungi are also an increasing cause of chronic sinusitis, especially
in people with diseases that weaken the immune system, such as
AIDS,
leukemia,
and diabetes.
