Lung Sounds in Sinus Infection
Sinus infections do not produce abnormal lung sounds unless there is concurrent lower respiratory tract involvement. Sinusitis is an infection of the paranasal sinuses, not the lungs, and therefore does not directly cause abnormal auscultatory findings in the chest 1.
Why Lung Sounds Are Typically Normal
Sinusitis is an upper respiratory tract infection affecting the paranasal sinuses, which are air-filled cavities in the skull that do not involve the lower respiratory tract 1.
The primary symptoms are localized to the head and face, including purulent nasal discharge, facial pain over affected sinuses, postnasal drainage, nasal congestion, and headache 2, 3.
In children, cough occurs in 80% of cases, but this is typically due to postnasal drip irritating the throat rather than lung pathology 1.
When Abnormal Lung Sounds May Occur
Concurrent asthma exacerbation: Sinusitis can trigger asthma through parasympathetic stimulation of the bronchial tree, which may produce wheezing or prolonged expiratory phase 4.
Secondary lower respiratory infection: If a patient develops bronchitis or pneumonia in addition to sinusitis, you would then hear crackles, rhonchi, or wheezes depending on the specific pathology 4.
Aspiration from postnasal drainage: Rarely, chronic postnasal drainage could lead to aspiration and subsequent lung findings, though this is uncommon 3.
Clinical Pitfall to Avoid
Do not confuse cough with lung pathology: The cough associated with sinusitis (present in 80% of children) is due to postnasal drainage, not lung involvement, and lung auscultation should be clear 1.
Always auscultate the lungs anyway: While sinusitis itself doesn't cause abnormal lung sounds, you should still perform a thorough lung exam to rule out concurrent lower respiratory tract disease, especially in patients with asthma or those who appear systemically ill 4.