Sinus-Infection

Sinus-Infection is an inflammation of the sinuses and nasal passages. A sinus-infection can cause a headache or pressure in the eyes, nose, cheek area, or on one side of the head. A person with a sinus infection may also have a cough, fever, bad breath, and nasal congestion with thick nasal secretions. Sinuses are paired air cavities/spaces or pockets found in the cranial or head bones. Sinuses are also referre to as “paranasal sinuses”. They are connected to the nose on the facial part of the skull where air passes and mucus drains.

The human skull contains 4 major pairs of hollow air-filled sacks called sinuses. These connect the space between the nostrils and the nasal passage. Sinuses help insulate the skull, reduce its weight, and allow the voice to resonate within it. Frontal sinuses (in the forehead) Maxillary sinuses (behind the cheek bones) Ethmoid sinuses (between the eyes) Sphenoid sinuses (behind the eyes) The sinuses contain defenses against foreign bacteria (germs). If a disruption occurs that affects the normal host defenses inside the sinuses, those defenses may allow bacteria, which are normally present in the nasal passages, to enter any of the sinuses. Once there, the bacteria may stick to the lining cells and cause a sinus-infection. Sinuses are often confused with sinusitis. Sinus cavities vary according to location in the facial bones of the skull, they can become inflamed individually or collectively.

When an infection lasts for up to three weeks it is often a sign that it has become acute and can be referred to as acute sinusitis.

Symptoms of a typical cold or flu which last for longer than one week may be indicative of a sinus infection. The presence of thick, white or yellow mucus congestion. Post Nasal Drip Fever Swollen or blurry vision Pressure or sensitivity around the nose and inner eyes Cold and flu symptoms which do not clear or which are never fully treated.

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