Sinuses are pockets of air, or cavities found in the cranial bones. There are four different sinus cavities. Located on either side of the nose are the maxillary sinuses. In the forehead are the frontal sinuses. At the very back of the skull are the sphenoid sinuses, and in between and behind the eyes are the ethmoid sinuses. They produce mucus, which is a fluid that helps cleanse the sinus cavities of bacteria. Lining these cavities are hair like projections called cilia. The cilia help to deliver mucus to the ostium, which is a tiny hole serving as a drain. Because this hole is located at the top of the largest sinus, it is difficult to push mucus though and achieve proper drainage.

 

Sinusitis is what can be a serious medical condition caused by the blockage of the ostium. It usually begins with an allergy or a cold. Allergies and colds tend to cause inflammation of this passageway, and detain the cilia from being able to properly move mucus through the ostium to drain. As a result of this inflammation, a blockage is created. The mucus that is normally drained from the sinus cavities will build up and cause pressure. This is what causes a sinus headache, which is a common symptom of the condition. The mucus that has built up inside of the cavities is easily susceptible to bacterial infection. If the mucus is unable to drain, and it is not cleared immediately, it becomes abscessed. If occurring in an area able to be reached by the physician, it can be opened and drained manually. In areas as small as the sinus cavities, this is impossible and sometimes requires either the topical application of, or an orally taken antibiotic or even a painful and complicated surgical procedure.

 

Sinusitis can primarily be caused by other medical conditions such as asthma, a deviated septum, polyps, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. It is also found among people who swim or dive frequently, or those who overuse nasal decongestants. Dental work, pregnancies, pollution, and being around smoke can also be factors.

 

Common symptoms of sinusitis can include nasal congestion and discharge, sore throat and postnasal drip (when fluid drips down the back of your throat, especially while laying down or at night), pressure headaches behind the eyes, toothache, or facial tenderness, cough, fever, fatigue, loss of smell, or bad breath. Chronic sinusitis can encompass all of these symptoms, but they tend to be milder and last longer than eight weeks.

 

Taking simple steps can prevent this condition. When having a cold of an allergy attack you can blow your nose gently and block one nostril while blowing through the other. Drinking plenty of fluids will keep the nasal discharge thin and easy to expel. Air travel is also a cause of sinusitis; if you are required to fly, you should use a nasal spray decongestant before take off to facilitate the drainage of mucus. Also, by avoiding smoke and pollution, you are helping to keep the nasal passageways clear to expel this fluid. Chronic sinus sufferers might look into purchasing a humidifier as well to keep inflammation to a minimum.