Sinus Infection (Sinusitis) Information on
Sinus Infection
- Sinus Infection Overview
- Sinus Infection Causes
- Sinus Infection Symptoms
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Sinus Infection Diagnosis
- Sinus Infection Treatment
- Self-Care at Home
- Medical Treatment
- Medications
- Surgery
- Next Steps
- Follow-up
- Sinus Infection Prevention
- Outlook
- For More Information
- Web Links
- Synonyms and Keywords
- Authors and Editors
- Pictures of Sinusitis (Sinus Infection) – Slideshow
- Viewer Comments: Sinus Infection – Effective Treatments
Sinus Infection Overview
Sinus infection, or sinusitis, 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, a fever, bad breath, and nasal congestion with thick nasal secretions. Sinusitis is categorized as acute (sudden onset) or chronic (long term, the most common type).
Anatomy of the sinuses (also called paranasal sinuses): The human skull contains four major pairs of hollow air-filled-cavities called sinuses. These are connected to 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. The four major pairs of sinuses are the:
- frontal sinuses (in the forehead),
- maxillary sinuses (behind the cheek bones),
- ethmoid sinuses (between the eyes), and
- sphenoid sinuses (behind the eyes).
Picture of the anatomy of the sinuses
The sinuses contain defenses against viruses and bacteria (germs). The sinuses are covered with a mucous layer and cells that contain tiny hairs on their surfaces (cilia). These help trap and propel bacteria and pollutants outward.
Acute sinusitis usually lasts less than eight weeks or occurs no more than three times per year with each episode lasting no longer than 10 days. Medications are usually effective against acute sinusitis. Successful treatment counteracts damage done to the mucous lining of the sinuses and surrounding bone of the skull.
Chronic or recurring sinusitis lasts longer than eight weeks or occurs more than four times per year with symptoms usually lasting more than 20 days.
Next: Sinus Infection Causes
Sinus Infection – Effective Treatments
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The following Viewer Comments have not been medically reviewed. See additional information.
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What kinds of treatments have been effective for your sinus
infection?