Sinusitis and other sinus problems

sinus

There are four pairs of sinuses in the head that control the temperatures and humidity of the air reaching the lungs no matter how hot, cold, or dry the weather.

Sinuses begin as pea-sized pouches in the newborn, extending outward from the inside of the nose into the bones of the face and skull. They expand and grow through childhood into young adulthood.

They are air pockets: cavities that are lined with the same kind of membranes lining the nose, and are connected to the inside of the nose through small openings about the size of a pencil lead.

Normally, the nose and sinuses produce between a pint and a quart of mucus secretions per day, picking up dust particles, bacteria and other air pollutants along the way.

The mucus is swept to the back of the throat by millions of tiny hair-like structures (cilia), which line the nasal cavity, and is swallowed. Stomach acids destroy any dangerous bacteria and most people do not notice this mucus flow because it is just a normal bodily function.

Signs and symptoms

Sinus infection can be divided into two types: chronic (ongoing) and acute (severe) sinusitis.

Chronic Sinusitis

People with chronic sinus infections probably have had one or many prior episodes of acute sinus infection, which have failed to be cured. They may also complain of having a continuous cold. Common symptoms include:

Low grade fever (less than 101°F)
Nasal congestion/nosebleed
Headaches
Chronic sore throat and cough
Poor, decreased, or absent sense of smell; and
Bad breath

Acute sinusitis

If a cold becomes worse, acute sinusitis may develop. You should see a doctor if you experience the following:

Green/yellow nasal discharge
Facial pressure around the cheeks, eyes, and forehead, especially with swelling
High fever (102°F and above)
Upper molar tooth pain

What causes sinus problems?

When the openings into the sinuses become plugged up, sinus pressure develops and the nose may feel blocked. Infections, irritants, anatomic (physical) problems, and allergies may cause these blockages.

Infections

Most adults will get colds and upper respiratory infections about three times per year. Children get them more frequently. Bacterial infections often follow the common cold. When the mucus changes from clear to yellow or green, it usually means a bacterial infection has developed.

Both viral and bacterial infections cause swelling of the tissues inside the nose and thickening of the normal mucus. This slows down or even stops proper sinus drainage.

Irritants

Air pollution, smoke, and chemical irritants (e.g., some sprays containing pesticides, disinfectants, and household detergents) may cause swelling and blockage of the narrow channels from the nose to the sinuses, leading to bacterial growth and sinus infection.

Allergies

Allergies can cause inflammation inside the nose. Common symptoms of an allergic reaction include: nasal stuffiness, runny nose, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes.

Chronic sinusitis is sometimes associated with asthma. Allergies are responsible for asthma in some patients and may also cause nasal stuffiness, resulting in a strain on the lungs that makes the asthma worse.