Anatomy of Illness: How Sinusitis Occur

Sinusitis is one of the most commonly diagnosed medical conditions wherein many patients are given doses of antibiotic treatments to relieve the condition every year. However, many patients are still wondering how did they came about having sinusitis or how did it progress into sinusitis? Here is an explanation of how sinusitis occurs.

The bones of the skull and the face have spaces which are called sinuses. They are lined by mucosa similar to those located in the nasal passages and upper respiratory tract (nose, nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx). These sinuses are always producing fluids from the glands of the mucosa and they drain to the nasal cavity through small openings.

There are four groups of sinuses. The maxillary sinuses are found in the cheekbones. The ethmoid sinuses are found between the eye orbits. The frontal sinuses are found just above the eyes. The sphenoid sinuses are found behind the ethmoid sinuses.

When the sinuses lining are inflamed either from bacteria, virus, chemicals, or other infectious agents, it can result to coryza or most commonly called as the common cold. The common cold is the most frequent condition that causes sinusitis. These infectious agents will affect all and at the same time the nose, sinuses, and the upper respiratory tract. The mucosal linings will swell and become thick as a normal response for inflammation because the plasma and leukocytes from the blood will rush to site of infection. This is a way for the body, in an attempt to protect from the organism to begin the healing process. The sinuses become filled with fluid coming from the blood vessels and mucosal glands. These fluids are supposed to be drained through the sinus openings through the movement of the cilia. The mucus is swept along with the damaged cells and infectious agent in a constant motion. However, these cilia are also damaged due to the infectious agent resulting to impaired drainage ability of the sinuses. When the sinuses are obstructed, the infectious agents are also trapped within and will continue to damage the linings of the mucosa. Normally, these sinuses are sterile (clean from any bacteria or virus). If ever an infectious agent enters the sinus, they are drained by the cilia but on this case they will multiply. In time, the accumulated fluid will cause pressure to the sinuses resulting to pain.

Sometimes, nasal obstructions such as children inserting foreign bodies in the nasal cavity, nasal septum deviation, polyps in the nasal mucosa, and tumors are most likely to cause sinusitis. Also, when there are bacterial infections from a dental problem involving the maxillary teeth can cause secondary infection to the sinuses. Patients with inborn weakness on their immune system and those who have HIV infections, ciliary disorders, cystic fibrosis are most likely to have sinusitis.

When the inflammation has occurred, breathing through the nose can be very difficult. Facial tenderness develops is a result of accumulated fluid within the sinus. Headache is also common sign of sinusitis. Coughing and throat clearing as a result of postnasal drip is another symptom. Since there is an infection, fever may be present as well as fatigue.

At times, sinusitis can only be considered as a minor problem. However, if it is left untreated, it could result to secondary rare complications which could be life threatening.