Sinus Infection

Sinusitis (Sinus Infection) Slideshow Pictures Nasal Allergy Relief Products Slideshow Pictures 10 Common Allergy Triggers Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

John P. Cunha, DO, is a U.S. board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician. Dr. Cunha's educational background includes a BS in Biology from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and a DO from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, MO. He completed residency training in Emergency Medicine at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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• Sinus Infection Overview
• Sinus Infection Causes
• Sinus Infection Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Sinus Infection Diagnosis
• Sinus Infection Treatment
• Sinus Infection Home Remedies
• Sinus Infection Medical Treatment
• Sinus Infection Medications
• Sinus Surgery
• Sinus Infection Follow-up
• Sinus Infection Prevention
• Sinus Infection Prognosis
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Author and Editor
• Pictures of Sinusitis (Sinus Infection) - Slideshow
• Pictures of Nasal Allergy Relief Products - Slideshow
• Pictures of 10 Common Allergy Triggers - Slideshow
• Viewer Comments: Sinus Infection - Effective Treatments
• Viewer Comments: Sinus Infection - Signs and Symptoms

Sinus Infection Overview

Sinus infection, or sinusitis, is an inflammation of the sinuses and nasal passages. A sinus infection can cause a headache or pressure in the eyes, nose, cheek area, or on one side of the head. A person with a sinus infection may also have a cough, sore throat, fever, bad breath, and nasal congestion with thick nasal secretions. Sinusitis is categorized as acute (sudden onset) or chronic (long term, the most common type).

Sinusitis is very common. In 2009 there were 29.3 million adults diagnosed with sinusitis in the United States. In 2007 there were 12.5 million visits to health practitioners for chronic sinusitis alone.

Here is an overview of the anatomy of the sinuses (also called paranasal sinuses). The human skull contains four major pairs of hollow air-filled-cavities called sinuses. These are connected to the space between the nostrils and the nasal passage (behind your nose). Sinuses help insulate the skull, reduce its weight, and allow the voice to resonate within it. The four major pairs of sinuses are the:

1. frontal sinuses (in the forehead),
2. maxillary sinuses (behind the cheek bones),
3. ethmoid sinuses (between the eyes), and
4. sphenoid sinuses (behind the eyes).

Picture of the anatomy of the sinuses

The sinuses contain defenses against viruses and bacteria (germs). The sinuses are covered with a mucous layer and cells that contain tiny hairs on their surfaces (cilia). These help trap and propel bacteria and pollutants outward.

Acute sinusitis usually lasts less than eight weeks or occurs no more than three times per year with each episode lasting no longer than 10 days. Medications are usually effective against acute sinusitis. Successful treatment counteracts damage done to the mucous lining of the sinuses and surrounding bone of the skull.

Chronic or recurring sinusitis lasts longer than eight weeks or occurs more than four times per year with symptoms usually lasting more than 20 days.