| Sinuses / Resdung |
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| Sinuses are paired air cavities/spaces (pockets) found in the cranial (head) bones. Sinuses are also referred to as "paranasal sinuses". They are connected to the nose on the facial part of the skull where air passes and mucus drains.
We have four paired sinus cavities. Each sinus cavity has an opening (ostium), which opens into the nasal passages for free exchange of air and mucus. The mucus linings have ciliated epithelium (cells with fines hairs) that moves dirty mucus from the sinus cavities which drains into the nasal passages.
Sinuses are often confused with sinusitis. Sinusitis is a condition that occurs when your sinuses become inflamed and infected. Click here to learn more about sinusitis.
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| The four types of sinuses cavities |
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| Sinus cavities vary according to location in the facial bones of the skull - they can become inflamed individually or collectively. When these sinuses become infected it is known as sinusitis. |
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| There are four pairs of sinus cavities: |
- Ethmoid (between the eyes) sinuses. These sinuses are located behind the bridge of the nose and at the "root" of the nose between the eyes. We are all born with ethmoid sinuses and as we grow, they also grow. When these cavities become inflamed, you have a condition called ethmoiditis.
- Frontal (forehead) sinuses. These sinus cavities are located above the eyes in the region of the forehead and only develop around seven years of age. When the frontal cavities become inflamed, you you have a condition called frontal sinusitis.
- Maxillary (cheekbones) sinuses. These sinus cavities are found on either side of the nostrils in the cheek bones. They are present at birth and grow as we grow. Inflammation of maxillary cavities due to bacterial, viral and other irritants is a condition called antritis.
- Sphenoid (behind the eyes) sinuses. These sinus cavities lie deeper in the skull behind the ethmoid sinuses and the eyes. We only develop sphenoid sinus cavities during adolescence. Inflammation of these cavities due to any irritant is a condition called sphenoiditis.
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| Why do we have sinus cavities? |
- They lighten the weight of the skull and this is the reason why you feel tired and sleepy during a sinus attack.
- They give resonance to your voice.
- They also filter and moisten the air that we breathe.
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| What causes sinusitis? |
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| Fungi, Bacteria and viruses can be a cause of sinusitis. |
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| Any affection of the nasal passages that cause it to swell can affect the opening of the sinuses. If the ostium (opening) is blocked, air and mucus secretions collect and cause pressure on the sinus cavity walls. This is the main reason why we have pain during sinusitis. Mucus is an excellent culture medium for bacteria and if the mucus is not cleared quickly, bacteria can infect the sinus and an abscess may develop.
If the nasal passages are swollen extending to the ostium of the sinuses, air cannot enter the cavity and a vacuum is created. This causes the mucus membranes to be ¡°tugged¡± away from the bones they line and hence produces pain.
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| What predisposes someone to contracting sinusitis? |
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| Any sinus condition that would interfere with and prevent the drainage and ventilation of ones sinuses such as |
- Nasal polyps
- Allergic Rhinitis
- Over usage of nasal steroids
- Inflammation or edema of the delicate mucus membranes that line the nasal passages
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| Allergies and Colds May Lead to Sinus Infections |
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| Sinusitis can be caused by colds, allergies, problems with your immune system or structural problems in the nasal cavities. While some people are enjoying the fall weather and the colorful leaves, others are suffering from cold and flu symptoms. But when your face still hurts, your nose is still stuffy and you still have that nasty cough a week later, you could have something more serious - sinusitis. Bacterial sinusitis can often develop after an allergy attack or a cold because the excessive mucus production may cause stagnant fluid to build up in the sinuses, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. If sinusitis is left untreated or undiagnosed, it can cause further complications with the nose, eyes or middle ear, lasting for months or even years. |
- They also remove unwanted air particles.
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| If you feel you have any symptoms above please come to Pama Cosmetology and Beauty Skin Care Centre |
