Sporting events may predispose the athlete to develop sinusitis. Similarly, sinusitis may adversely affect the athlete's performance. The physician caring for the athlete must be aware of a number of conditions that predispose to sinusitis and also of the subtle clinical presentation of sinusitis. Complications of sinusitis may be both local in terms of extension of infection and general, particularly bronchial asthma. Aggressive therapy with an appropriate antibiotic is necessary to ensure eradication of the infection. If there is no significant response to medical therapy, surgical intervention may be necessary.