Sinusitis - Causes and Symptoms

Each year, more than 37 million Americans suffer from the uncomfortable symptoms of sinus infection. Sinuses are air cavities within the skull which are covered by a membranous lining similar to other parts of the airways.

In the mucosa, microscopic hair-like protrusions called Cilia, sweep back and forth like oars every 10 seconds on average. This sweeping motion clears the mucus that is produced by the sinuses into the back of the nose and swallowed unconsciously by us.

Mucus is produced naturally by the sinuses to trap foreign particles, viruses, bacteria and other allergens from the air we breathe in before they enter the lungs. Normal mucus is thin, a little sticky and with a slippery feel.

Once the cilia function becomes impaired, viruses are allowed longer access in the nasal cavities which then become an ideal home to multiply and proliferate. This causes the mucous membranes, the mucosa, becoming inflamed and thicker, sticky mucus are then produced.

The cilia are unable to perform its function to clear the sticky and heavy mucus. Nasal congestion results and the poor ventilation within the sinuses and nasal passages allow bacteria to multiply. A bacterial sinus infection takes place.

By maintaining healthy cilia function, we can avoid unnecessary suffering from sickness such as the common cold, viral influenza and sinus infection.

Causes of sinus infection

1. As explained above, poor cilia function is a major cause of sinus infection

2. Abnormal structure of the nose. Some people are borned with a deviated septum from birth. The nasal septum is the wall dividing the nasal cavity into two halves. A deviated septum can cause obstruction to normal air-exchange through one side of the nasal passage.

3. Sinus polyps. Sinus polyps are teardrop-shaped, non-cancerous growths on the lining of the nasal passages. These will cause nasal obstruction which can lead to a sinus infection.

4. Overly large inferior turbinates. Unfortunately, some people have large inferior turbinates. These can cause chronic nasal congestion especially when there is an allergy.

Sinus infection symptoms

1. Nasal congestion or clogged nose. This is caused by inflammation of the mucosa.

2. Sinus headache. Pain and discomfort in the areas of the affected sinuses. For example, pain in the areas around the cheek points to a maxillary sinus infection.

3. Sinus infection mucus. With an acute bacterial sinus infection, the mucus would be yellow to green color. Mucus from a chronic sinus infection may not be colored but its texture would still be thick and glue-like.

How to maintain the healthy state of our cilia?

1. Stop the smoking habit. Smoking causes the cilia to become paralyzed and dysfunctional

2. Avoid getting the common cold and viral influenza. Sinus infections usually come after these illnesses. Cilia damage is worsened with each sinus infection.

3. Perform nasal irrigation on a daily basis. Start early on nasal irrigation so that it becomes a part of your daily routine.

For a mild sinus infection, adopting proven sinus infection home remedies should eradicate the problem without the need to visit a doctor. Learn more about sinus infection treatment by doctors.