Sinus Infection

Medical Editor: William C. Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

• What is sinus infection?
• What are the paranasal sinuses?
• What causes sinus infection?
• What are the types of sinus infections?
• What are the symptoms of sinus infection?
• How is sinus infection diagnosed?
• How is sinus infection treated?
• What are complications of sinus infection?
• Conclusions
• Sinus Infection At A Glance
• Related sinus infection articles:
  Sinus infection - on WebMD
  Sinus infection - on eMedicineHealth

What is sinus infection?

Inflammation of the air cavities within the passages of the nose (paranasal sinuses) is referred to as sinusitis. Sinusitis is one of the more common conditions that can afflict people throughout their lives. Sinusitis commonly occurs when environmental pollens irritate the nasal passages, such as with hay fever. Sinusitis can also result from irritants, such as chemicals or the use and/or abuse of over-the-counter nasal sprays and illegal substances that may be snorted through the nose. Sinusitis can also be caused by infection (by viruses or bacteria). This article is a review of sinus infection.

What are the paranasal sinuses?

The paranasal sinuses are air-filled cavities in the dense portions of the bones of the skull, which were formed to decrease the overall weight of the skull. These air filled cavities are formed essentially in four left and right pairs. The frontal sinuses are positioned behind the area of the forehead, while the maxillary sinuses are behind the cheeks. The sphenoid and ethmoid sinuses are found deeper in the skull behind the eyes and maxillary sinuses. The sinuses are lined by mucous secreting cells. The air gets into the sinuses through small openings in the bones that allow connection to the nasal passageways, called ostia. If any of these openings become blocked, air can't properly pass into the sinuses and likewise the mucous produced by the cells lining the sinuses can't drain out.

Next: What causes sinus infection? »

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Last Editorial Review: 7/6/2006