Dr. Ameen, ENT Specialist in Kuala Lumpur

PART 3 – Why CRS Happens: The Real Causes Behind Chronic Sinus Inflammation

Here’s a common myth: “CRS is caused by infection.”
The truth? Infection is often the result — not the root cause.

CRS is now understood as a disease of chronic mucosal inflammation and immune dysregulation.

Key Contributing Factors

• Inflammatory imbalance – the immune system stays switched on
• Poor sinus ventilation – blocked drainage pathways
• Allergies – especially in susceptible individuals
• Asthma & systemic inflammation
• Biofilms – bacteria living in protective communities
• Environmental exposure – pollution, smoke, irritants

Imagine your immune system as a smoke alarm. In CRS, it keeps ringing — even when there’s no fire.

Modern studies show that many CRS patients have sterile inflammation, meaning no active infection at all. This explains why repeated antibiotics often fail.

Understanding the cause allows us to target the disease, not just chase symptoms.