All About The Sinus

There are many people who suffer from sinus problems. The paranasal sinuses are skull cavities that are used to lighten the skull, provide room for the skull to grow, and cool the inhaled air. There are four types of sinuses in humans, including the maxillary sinus, ethmoid sinus, sphenoid sinus, and frontal sinus. The maxillary sinus cavity is on the side of the nose under the eyes and under the cheeks. The ethmoid sinus and sphenoid sinus are some of the most functional sinuses, located under the eyes and nose. The frontal sinus is in the middle of the forehead.

The sinuses can cause many problems. The most common problem is sinus infection. Sinus infections are caused by blockages of bacteria and mucus in the sinuses. Obstruction usually begins when a person has a cold or allergy. If a cold or allergy is present, the lining of the sinuses will swell. When bacteria enter the sinus, they attack the swollen lining, which causes inflammation. Cilia are small sinus hairs used to wash away bacteria and mucus. When inflammation from bacteria occurs, the cilia can no longer wash it off, so that bacteria and mucus are trapped and infection begins.

There are many symptoms that can occur with sinus infections. In general, you may experience coughing, congestion, facial pain and pressure, green nasal discharge, and nasal drooping. If sinus infection persists for more than 12 weeks, it is considered chronic and can cause additional symptoms such as loss of taste and smell, and people can become tired.

There are many forms of treatment for sinus infections. Nasal spray is one common treatment. Nasal sprays work by distributing saline into the sinuses. Nasal sprays moisten the cilia and wash away trapped bacteria and mucus. However, the problem with nasal spray is that it has a large particle size that cannot make it beyond the inflammation at the opening of the nasal cavity until sinusitis infection. Oral antibiotics are a frequently used treatment. Oral antibiotics affect infections by flowing into the infected area through the bloodstream.

Oral antibiotics are usually not effective for sinus infections because there are few blood vessels in the sinuses and it is difficult to administer effective amounts of antibiotics with antifungal and anti-inflammatory agents. It becomes a sinus infection. Another treatment that can be used is irrigation. Irrigation, such as nasal spray, is intended to moisten the cilia so that the cilia functions properly. Also, like a nasal spray, it is difficult to get through the inflammation to the sinuses. Irrigation is also usually a very cumbersome treatment.

Our sinuses have important functions, and it is important to prevent infection. Sinus infections can be inconvenient in many ways and can cause future problems in the sinuses. It is best to first take care of the sinus infection and prevent it from becoming chronic.