The sinuses are hollow spaces in the bones between the eyes, behind the cheekbones, and on the forehead. They produce mucus that keeps the inside of the nose moist. It, in turn, helps protect against dust, allergens and pollutants. A healthy chest fill with air.
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What are the Types of Sinuses around the Nose and Eyes?
The sinuses locate in the head, near the nose and eyes. They get their name from the bones that give them structure.
- The ethmoid sinuses place between the eyes.
- The maxillary sinuses locate below the eyes.
- The sphenoid sinuses set behind the eyes.
- The frontal sinuses position above the eyes.
The largest cavity in the sinus is the maxillary cavity, and it is one of the cavities most commonly infected.
There are Several Types of Sinusitis:
- Acute Bacterial Sinusitis: This term refers to the sudden onset of cold symptoms such as runny nose, nasal congestion, and facial pain that do not go away after ten days, or symptoms that seem to improve but then return and disappear. Worse than they started. Symptoms (so-called “double sickness”). It retorts well to antibiotics and decongestants.
- Chronic Sinusitis: This period refers to a condition characterized by nasal congestion, discharge, facial pain/pressure, and decreased intellect of smell for at least 12 weeks.
- Subacute Sinusitis: This term uses when signs persist for four to twelve workweeks.
- Recurrent Acute Sinusitis: This period use when symptoms recur four or more times a year and last less than two weeks each time.
Who Gets Sinusitis?
Sinusitis can happen to anyone. However, persons with nasal allergies, nasal polyps, asthma, and abnormal nose structures are more prone to sinusitis. Smoking can also increase the incidence of sinus infections.
About 31 million people in the United States have sinusitis.
Symptoms and Causes
What Causes Sinusitis?
Sinusitis can cause by viruses, bacteria, or fungus that swells and clogs the sinuses. Some specific reasons include:
- Cold
- Nasal and seasonal allergies, including mould allergies.
- Polyps (growths).
- The curvature of the septum. The septum is a line of cartilage that separates the nose. A deviated septum means it’s not straight, so it’s closer to the meatus on one side of the nose, causing a blockage.
- The immune system is declining by illness or medication.
For infants and toddlers, being in daycare, using pacifiers or drinking bottles while lying down may increase the risk of sinusitis.
In adults, smoking increases the risk of sinus infections. If you smoke, you need to quit. Smoking is harmful to you and the people around you.
Is Sinusitis Contagious?
It cannot spread bacterial sinusitis, but it can extend the viruses that cause sinusitis. Remember to wash your hands well, avoid people if you are sick, and sneeze or cough into your elbow if you have to sneeze or cough.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Sinusitis?
Common signs and symptoms of sinusitis include:
- Postnasal drip (mucus runs down the throat).
- Runny nose (thick yellow or thick green discharge) or nasal cramming
- Facial pressure (especially around the nose, eyes, and forehead), headache, and toothache or earache.
- Halitosis (bad breath)
- Cough.
- Tired
- Heat.
Diagnosis And Tests
How is Sinusitis Diagnosed?
Your health care worker will ask you many questions to get a detailed history and learn more about your symptoms. They will also perform a medical examination. Your health maintenance provider will check your ears, nose, and throat for swelling, discharge, or blockage during the exam. An endoscope (a small optical instrument with a light) may use to look inside the nose. You may raise to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist in some cases. Your provider will order computed imaging (CT) scan if you need an imaging test.
Prevention
How can I Prevent Sinusitis?
Some home remedies used to treat sinus contagions can help prevent sinusitis. These include rinsing your nose with salt water and using any medications your health care provider may suggest, such as allergy medications or steroid slurred sprays.
You must bend things you are allergic to, such as dust, pollen, or smoke, and prevent sick people. Wash your hands to reduce the chance of a cold or flu.
