There are many people that suffer from sinus problems. A sinus is a cavity in the skull which is used to make the skull lighter, give room for the skull to grow, and to cool down the inhaled air. There are four types of sinuses in humans which include the maxillary, ethmoid, sphenoid, and frontal sinuses. The maxillary sinus cavity is located below the eye and to the side of the nose below the cheeks. The ethmoid sinus and the sphenoid sinus are some of the most functional sinuses and are located between the eyes and under the nose. The frontal sinus cavity is located in the middle of the forehead.

The sinuses can cause many problems. The most common problem is a sinus infection. A sinus infection is caused by a blockage of bacteria and mucus in the sinus cavities. The blockage begins usually when a person has a cold or allergy. The sinus cavity lining becomes swollen when a cold or allergy exists. When bacteria get into the sinus cavities, they attack the swollen lining which then causes greater inflammation. The cilia are tiny hairs in the sinuses which are used to flush out bacteria and mucus. When the inflammation from the bacteria occurs, the cilia can no longer flush it out therefore the bacteria and mucus become trapped and the infection begins.

There are many symptoms which may occur with a sinus infection. Generally, a person may experience cough, congestion, facial pain and pressure, green nasal discharge, and postnasal drip. When the sinus infection lasts for twelve or more weeks it is considered chronic and can have additional symptoms such as loss of sense of taste and smell and the person may also become fatigued.

There are many forms of treatment for a sinus infection. Nasal sprays are one common treatment. Nasal sprays work by distributing saline solution up into the sinus cavities. Nasal sprays are meant to moisten the cilia so that the trapped bacteria and mucus can be washed out. The problem with nasal sprays however is that they have large particle sizes that cannot make it past the inflammation at the opening of the sinus cavities and up to the sinusitis infection. Oral antibiotics are also a frequently used treatment. Oral antibiotics work on infections by flowing through the blood stream to the infected area. Oral antibiotics are usually ineffective when it comes to sinus infections due to the fact that there are only a small amount of blood vessels in the sinus cavities which makes it difficult for an efficient amount of antibiotic, along with anti-fungals and anti-inflammatories, to make it to the sinus infection. Another treatment that may be used is irrigation. Irrigation, like nasal sprays, is meant to moisten the cilia so that it can function properly. Also like nasal sprays, it is difficult for it to make it through the inflammation and to the sinuses. Irrigation is also usually a very messy treatment.

Our sinuses have important functions and it is important to keep them clear from infection. A sinus infection can become an inconvenience in many ways and also may cause future problems for the sinus cavities. It is best to take care of a sinus infection at the beginning and to prevent it from becoming chronic.