Sinusitis
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| 1. Frontal Sinuses |
| 2. Maxilary Sinuses |
| 3. Ethmoid Sinuses |
| 4.Sphenoid Sinuses |
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Sinusitis is an infection of the sinus areas of the skull |
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Sinuses are hollow compartments located between the eyes, on either side of the cheeks, in the forehead, and in the centre of the head. They are frequently associated with allergies and the development of sinus congestion. |
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The symptoms of acute sinusitis are similar to those of a bad cold. The patient has a runny nose (the discharge may be pus-filled), headache and discomfort. What distinguishes the sinus infection is localized pain plus tenderness and disturbances of taste and smell. |
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Sinus infections may be caused by virus, bacteria or fungi: |
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- Certain viruses enter the body through the nasal passage and cause sinus infection, for example, the common cold, influenza and measles viruses.
- Bacteria causing sinus infections include Staphylococcal and streptococcal infections that usually begins with symptoms in the upper respiratory tract.
- The family of fungi called Mucoraceae can trigger sinus infections in certain people, especially those with uncontrolled diabetes, blood ailments such as leukemia, or those with prolonged steroid treatments.
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| How sinus infections result in pain and nasal obstruction |
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| Each sinus has an opening into the nose for the free exchange of air and mucus. In addition, each sinus is joined with the nasal passages by a continuous mucous membrane lining. Therefore, anything that causes a swelling in the nose, be it a viral or bacterial infection or an allergic reaction, can similarly affect the sinuses. |
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| Air trapped within an obstructed sinus, along with pus or other secretions, may cause pressure on the sinus wall. The result is the intense pain of a sinus attack. When air is prevented from entering a paranasal sinus by a swollen membrane at the opening, a vacuum can be created with a similar end result of pain. |
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| Things to void for people with sinusitis |
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| 1. People with sinusitis should take an appropriate amount of rest, a well-balanced diet, and exercise. These increase the ability of the immune system to fight against infections. Cigarette smoke, other air pollutants, and any alcohol consumption should be avoided. Alcohol causes swelling of the nasal-sinus membranes. |
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| 2. Chlorine used in disinfecting swimming pools may cause irritation to the lining of the nose and sinuses for sinusitis-prone individuals. Divers often experience congestion and infection when water is forced into the sinuses from the nasal passage. |
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| 3. Air travel poses a problem for some individuals suffering from acute upper respiratory disease, chronic sinusitis, or allergic rhinitis. A bubble of air trapped within the body expands as air pressure in the plane is reduced. This expansion causes pressure on surrounding tissues and can result in a blockage of the sinuses or Eustachian tubes. It results in discomfort in the sinus or middle ear when the plane takes off or lands. |
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| Locations of the Sinuses |
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| 1. Frontal Sinuses - in the forehead just over the eyes. |
| 2. Maxillary sinuses (the largest ones) - in the upper jaw bone. |
| 3. Ethmoid sinuses - in the ethmoid bones, situated just back of the eyes. |
| The ethmoid sinuses are the only multi-compartmentalized or honeycomb type of sinus. |
| 4. Sphenoid sinuses - located in the sphenoid bone deep in the head, at the back of the nasal cavity. |
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