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The paranasal sinuses are empty spaces located in the facial skeleton. These structures probably fulfill several functions. Unfortunately, the sinuses often become inflamed with bothersome symptoms. Find out how to recognize sinusitis and how to deal with it.
What are the sinuses?
The sinuses are spaces in the bones of the face that are lined with mucosa. We have four types of symmetrical bays that are named after their location. Going from the top, we have successively: nasal sinuses, ethmoid cells, sphenoid sinuses closer to the ears and maxillary sinuses.
- maxillary sinuses (parapid sinuses) – are located directly above the jaw, they are even and the largest of all types of sinuses, generally speaking, are the under-eye sinuses,
- frontal sinus (parietal sinuses) are those above the eyebrows, they appear symmetrically in pairs on both sides of the forehead, they are slightly smaller than the maxillary sinuses,
- sphenoid sinuses they are hidden behind the nasal cavity, quite deep in the skull, they are small, even,
- sieve cells – located halfway up the nose, they are irregular and odd.
The sinuses are, in a way, the widening of the nasal cavities. Their mucosa fills the cavities in the facial skeleton, and they are connected to the cavity itself by numerous tubules and orifices. Healthy sinuses are filled with air and their membranes produce a thin mucus secretion that cleans the air inhaled through the nose.
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The sinuses develop in utero. The maxillary sinus is formed first, in the second trimester of pregnancy. The frontal sinus does not develop until the age of 6. The entire system does not reach its final dimensions until the second decade of life.
Bays are most harmed by a rapid change in air temperature and humidity, e.g. in the winter season, when we first inhale the frosty air outside, and then we enter a heated interior with warm and dry air. Then, the sinus membranes dry out, and hence, more exposure to viruses and bacteria, and the penetration of pollutants.
Bays – construction
The shape of the sinuses is given by the craniofacial structure. There is air inside and a small amount of secretion. The mucosa itself lines the sinuses. When healthy, it is pink. It consists of four types of cells:
- basal cells,
- goblet cells,
- ciliated support cells,
- cilia-free support cells.
Functions of the nasal sinuses
Scientists have several theories about the function of the nasal sinuses. Come on, none of them can be conclusively confirmed, many are highly probable.
The primary function of the sinuses is to purify the air that is inhaled. It is forced from the nasal cavity into the sinuses. There, it is moisturized, heated to 34 degrees Celsius and it is cleansed of suspensions, allergens, dust and microorganisms. The bays are therefore a place where the air is prepared for its further journey to the throat and further to the lungs. It is assumed that in an adult they clean up to 10 liters of air each day.
In addition, the sinuses appear to play a mechanical role as they create voids in the bones of the skull, reducing its weight and putting less strain on the spine. This design also makes the brain better protected. In the event of a possible injury, the crushed bones first end up in the empty space of the sinus.
The sinuses, especially the sphenoid sinuses located close to the ears, can also be associated with hearing and constitute a kind of buffer, thanks to which vibrations caused by one’s own voice are not so intensively transferred to the ossicles.
The sinuses also seem to play an important role in breathing itself. It is about heating the air and its humidification and equalization of the possible pressure difference.
The way the orbit is surrounded by the sinuses suggests that such an “air buffer” may also serve to keep the eyeball itself and the entire anterior part of the skull warm.
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Sinuses – sinusitis
The location of the sinuses and their constant contact with the inhaled air favors infections. In addition, people who have multi-chamber frontal sinuses are more prone to sinusitis, making it difficult to drain properly. Also allergy sufferers and asthmatics, as well as people with cystic fibrosis, are more likely to develop inflammation. In addition, smoking, swimming and diving contribute to sinus disease. Interestingly, the risk factors also include … tooth decay.
The basic condition for the proper functioning of the sinuses is proper ventilation. It is also a guarantee of protection against the emergence of sinus diseases. When, as a result of, for example, swelling of the mucosa, obstruction or even restriction of the patency of the connections between the nasal cavity and sinuses occurs, sinus ventilation is insufficient. As a consequence, the air in them is poorly cleaned, which in turn promotes the growth of microorganisms.
The multiplication of bacteria and viruses is also intensified by the mucus remaining in the sinuses, which then turns into a purulent, thick discharge. It is becoming more and more difficult to clean the nasal cavity, which makes the head bursting with severe pain, which is acutely felt when tilted. This is the primary symptom of sinusitis. Inflammation can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and sometimes allergens.
In the fight against microbes that cause sinusitis, SinuGrip on the sinuses of Herbal Monasterium will help. The preparation consists of andrographis herb extract, verbena herb extract, mullein flower extract, gentian root extract, nasturtium herb extract, African geranium root extract and elderberry flower extract.
Rarely, there is a situation where the sinuses are hurt without a runny nose. However, if this does happen, please consult your doctor. This could be a symptom of:
- migraines, stress-related pains and arterial hypertension – the main ailment here is a piercing headache, but not focused on the sinuses,
- chronic sinusitis – this is the phase of relative relief of symptoms, when there is a headache or face pain without a runny nose,
- sphenoid sinusitis – excess secretion runs down the back of the throat, the quality of vision deteriorates, and the head (inside the skull with radiation to the eye sockets and the back of the head) is bursting with piercing pain,
- maxillary sinusitis – it is caused by inflammation of dental tissues and it occurs most often, whether untreated caries, after tooth extraction or root canal treatment.
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Also check: «What is sphenoid sinusitis?»
Symptoms of sinus diseases
Sinusitis may vary in nature. Acute condition occurs when a mucosal infection occurs suddenly and lasts for about three weeks. Recurrent inflammation occurs at least four times a year at intervals of at least eight weeks. Chronic sinusitis, on the other hand, lasts more than six weeks and leaves mucosa changes that can be detected by imaging methods – for example, computed tomography.
Symptoms of sinusitis are primarily pain, the location of which depends on which sinus is involved. It is accompanied by a feeling of swelling and distension. Usually, due to the swelling of the mucosa, there is also a runny nose and an olfactory disorder. Additionally, fever occurs in acute conditions.
Treatment of the sinuses
Treatment depends primarily on the causative agent of the disease. In the case of bacteria, antibiotics are given. Usually, decongestants, such as antihistamines, should also be used. Sometimes the sinuses need to be opened. Rinses or puncture can help, i.e. piercing the wall of the sinus and introducing saline solution into it, which will push out the pus. In justified cases, a surgical procedure is performed, which permanently improves the drainage of the sinus and prevents possible infections in the future.
Sinuses – What Helps?
Sinus pain is a common problem. What to do to counteract it and fight it effectively? In the first place, it is worth taking care of proper hydration. The amount of fluids consumed during the day has a multifaceted good effect on the body, especially in people who complain of sinusitis. The supplied water helps to dilute the secretions remaining in the sinus cavities, and thus also to remove it more easily.
Adequate hydration is worth supporting the heating of the sinuses. One of the best ways is to do warm, wet compresses based on salt or essential oils, and to sleep in a hat or even a headband. Try Gel compress – Visiomed thermotherapy eye mask, which you can buy at a promotional price on Medonet Market. In addition, the sinuses will also help to heal a compress based on coarse grains of salt, beans, peas or oats heated in a pan, which will keep the temperature high. With recurring sinus pains, it is also worth investing in an infrared lamp or a sauna pass (preferably with aromatherapy).
Irrigation is also a good way to avoid sinus pain. This is an increasingly popular method of cleaning the sinuses. It consists in introducing a certain amount of a solution of water with salt (at a certain concentration) into the nasal cavity using a squeeze bottle. Isotonic salt will help to moisturize the mucosa and hypertonic salt to clear the nose. People who have a tendency to sinus infections or are allergic to pollen or dust should irrigate prophylactically. Rinsing the nose at the first signs of a sinus infection may stop its development. Importantly, however, irrigation should only be done when the nose is unobstructed! When the nasal cavity is blocked with secretions, rinsing can damage the structure of the inner ear.
In addition to irrigation, the sinuses will also be helped by various types of preparations that unblock the tubules that connect the nasal cavity with the sinuses. These will include:
- nasal mists and drops containing naphazoline, oxymetazoline or xylometazoline – their disadvantage is that they should be used strictly according to the guidelines in the leaflet, because too long or frequent application may lead to addiction,
- rinses and sprays containing hypertonic salt,
- combination of ibuprofen with pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine derivatives – has a decongestant and antiseptic effect,
- drugs in sachets and tablets for sinuses containing ephedrine derivatives (pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine) – this method is not recommended for cardiac patients because it increases blood pressure, and also for drivers because it delays the reaction and reduces concentration.
A sinus diet is also important. What to eat to reduce the risk of infection? Black cumin oil is a product that should be included in your daily menu. According to numerous studies, its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties give good results in the prevention and treatment of sick sinuses.
Additionally, massage on the sinuses will not hurt. All you need to do in circular movements is to guide your fingers over the skin under your eyes and over them. Massage improves blood and lymph circulation that provide nutrients and immune cells to all body tissues. It may not be the primary treatment for sinus treatments, but how helpful it is! In addition, it is worth sleeping higher and installing an air purifier in the bedroom. This advice is primarily to those who live in regions with high levels of air pollution.
See also: «Home remedies for gulfs. 5 treatments for sinus pain relief »
Sinus pain may be especially felt in a person exposed to air conditioners. How to relieve this unpleasant feeling? In case of sinus problems, it is best not to position yourself directly on a blast of cold air, and not to reduce the cooling value to the minimum – let the difference in temperature between the inside and the outside air not exceed a few degrees. In the car, it is better to focus on gentle cooling or partial opening of the windows (also be careful that the air stream does not blow directly on the face). In addition, the sinuses will be less prone to infections if we take care of the appropriate air humidity, and the filters in the air conditioner are checked and frequently changed.
Sinus surgery
The first question is: if your sinuses hurt, what kind of doctor should you see? A specialist in this field is an otolaryngologist, i.e. an ENT specialist for a shorter time. He is a doctor who deals with diseases of the nose, ear, larynx, throat and other organs of the neck and head. A specialist will first recommend any tests and most likely recommend an oral treatment. If this doesn’t work, you may need sinus surgery.
Sinus puncture is a minimally invasive method that is used in the case of maxillary sinusitis, especially in acute inflammation. The procedure is performed with local anesthesia administered with a gauze pad soaked in decongestants and anesthetics. It consists in puncturing the sinus in the area of the lower auricle with a long needle.
A solution is given through the needle, flushing the sinuses, and then flowing through the tubules into the nasal cavity. During its application, the patient must exhale strongly through his nose. After rinsing, the needle may also be used to administer antibiotics and other medications. During this procedure, the patient can be fitted with a drain, which will provide the possibility of administering medicinal substances during hospitalization.
Endoscopic sinus surgery, i.e. intra-nasal microsurgery, is the most innovative and popular method of fighting sinus problems. It is performed under general anesthesia and the endoscope is the main tool. It allows the treatment of most conditions affecting the sinuses, including chronic sinusitis, polyps and neoplastic changes.
In addition, endoscopy of the sinuses is used to straighten the nasal septum curve, plasty of the turbinates or to remove post-accident cerebrospinal fluid leakage. The treatment does not leave any scars, and the recovery period is 2 to 3 weeks. After treatment for the sinuses, avoid saunas, hot baths, prolonged exposure to the sun, swimming in the pool and flying by plane. However, it is recommended to rinse the sinuses with the preparations prescribed by the doctor.
Caldwell-Luc surgery is a less and less used method of sinus surgery, replaced by microsurgery with the use of an endoscope. It is an invasive method because it is based on external access. The surgeon opens the sinus from the side of the atrium of the mouth to dissect the soft tissues, create a hole in the anterior wall of the sinus, remove pathological mucosa changes, and create a new connection between the sinus and nasal cavity.
This type of operation is performed under general anesthesia. It is currently used in the presence of cysts in the sinuses, large-sized osteomas or as a surgical revision. Maxillofacial surgeons perform external access surgery more often than otolaryngologists.
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