Sinusitis
Sinusitis is when the sinuses and nasal passages become inflamed as the result of either a bacterial or viral infection. This will often result in nasal congestion and thick nasal secretions. A person with Sinusitis may also have a headache, cough, fever or bad breath.
The Human sinuses are comprised of four major pairs of hollow air-filled-pockets around and behind the nose and eyes. They are connected to the space between the nostrils and the nasal passage. The four major pairs of sinuses are the:
The function of the sinuses is to assist the body in the fight against germs by containing defenses against viruses and bacteria (germs). The sinuses are covered with a mucous layer and cells that contain tiny hairs on their surfaces (cilia). The purpose of the cilia and mucous layer is to help trap and move bacteria and pollutants (allergens) into the respiratory tract to be expelled from the body.
These pockets are generally free from germs but when an infection or an allergen is present they can become inflamed and swollen. When the lining of the sinuses are swollen this can interfere with the normal flow of mucous resulting in a build-up of mucus in the sinuses. This stagnant mucus pocket becomes an ideal breeding ground for infection causing bacteria.
Acute sinusitis usually follows a viral infection in the upper respiratory tract, but allergy-causing substances (allergens) or pollutants may also trigger acute sinusitis. Viral infection damages the cells of the sinus lining, leading to inflammation. The lining thickens, obstructing the nasal passage. This passage connects to the sinuses. The obstruction disrupts the process that removes bacteria normally present in the nasal passages, and the bacteria begin to multiply and invade the lining of the sinus. This causes the symptoms of sinus infection. Allergens and pollutants produce a similar effect.
The Human sinuses are comprised of four major pairs of hollow air-filled-pockets around and behind the nose and eyes. They are connected to the space between the nostrils and the nasal passage. The four major pairs of sinuses are the:
- frontal sinuses – located above the eyes in the forehead,
- maxillary sinuses – located behind the cheek bones, one on each side of the nose,
- ethmoid sinuses – located between the eyes, and
- sphenoid sinuses – smaller pockets located behind the eyes.
The function of the sinuses is to assist the body in the fight against germs by containing defenses against viruses and bacteria (germs). The sinuses are covered with a mucous layer and cells that contain tiny hairs on their surfaces (cilia). The purpose of the cilia and mucous layer is to help trap and move bacteria and pollutants (allergens) into the respiratory tract to be expelled from the body.
These pockets are generally free from germs but when an infection or an allergen is present they can become inflamed and swollen. When the lining of the sinuses are swollen this can interfere with the normal flow of mucous resulting in a build-up of mucus in the sinuses. This stagnant mucus pocket becomes an ideal breeding ground for infection causing bacteria.
Acute sinusitis usually follows a viral infection in the upper respiratory tract, but allergy-causing substances (allergens) or pollutants may also trigger acute sinusitis. Viral infection damages the cells of the sinus lining, leading to inflammation. The lining thickens, obstructing the nasal passage. This passage connects to the sinuses. The obstruction disrupts the process that removes bacteria normally present in the nasal passages, and the bacteria begin to multiply and invade the lining of the sinus. This causes the symptoms of sinus infection. Allergens and pollutants produce a similar effect.