Sinus Infection
Medical Editor:
William C. Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
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.
Picture of the anatomy of the sinuses
Next: What causes sinus infection? »
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