Some
of the major parts of the front of the skull, including areas
of the cheeks, around the eyes and the lower part of the forehead
are hollow. Within the bone are air-filled cavities, the sinuses,
which connect with the nose. The sinuses enable the skull to
be lighter than it otherwise would be, and the air filled cavities
act as sound- boxes making the voice more resonant and easier
to hear. The sinuses, like the nose, are lined with a mucous
membrane which produces fluid that keeps the surface clean.
This fluid drains into the nose. If the sinus becomes infected
by a virus such as the common cold virus (see Coryza) then the
mucous does not drain satisfactorily and the fluid accumulates.
Drainage of the fluid may also be hampered by blockage caused
by infection, allergy or physical abnormality. The accumulated
fluid becomes secondarily infected and sinusitis results. There
is pain and tenderness over the sinuses affected, often a fever,
and a green or yellow nasal discharge. Sinus pain is mainly
felt across the cheeks, the top and sides of the nose and the
forehead. It can, sometimes, also produce toothache. The infected
mucous resulting, from the infection, drains down into the nose,
from which it is expelled, or runs down the back of the throat
where it is either coughed up or swallowed (see Sore Throat)
If the mucopus can drain satisfactorily the infection an be
quite short lived but if there is blockage between the sinus
and the nose, chronic sinusitis can result and can last for
a long time. Chronic sinusitis is not usually as painful as acute sinusitis but can have a debilitating effect. Some people are more prone than others to sinusitis, particularly if the channels between the sinuses and the nose are abnormally narrowed, or blocked by allergic reactions etc. Small children are prone to sinus infection because of blockage by enlarged adenoids, lymphoid tissue like tonsil, found at the back of the nose.
Acute sinusitis is an uncomfortable and unpleasant condition. As there is usually a fever, bed rest and warmth are advised. Painkillers will, most likely, be necessary. The main points of attack are to get the sinuses to drain by opening up the passageways between sinuses and nose. This can be helped with steam inhalations, decongestant nasal drops and sprays, and oral decongestants. The drops and sprays should be used correctly and as it is usual in these circumstances to consult a doctor - antibiotics are usually required - correct instructions on how to use the drops, sprays etc. can be given at that time. Chronic sinusitis is usually diagnosed by X-rays and, sometimes, by CT scan, where the passages can be shown up very clearly. Surgery is sometimes needed to unblock the passageways, correct anatomical abnormalities and drain the fluid. In many cases, however, the appropriate antibiotics and correct use of local decongestants are usually sufficient. |
