The Nature of Sinusitis

Sinusitis is the inflammation of the inner lining of the sinuses. The sinuses are the spaces between the bones in the face that allow air passage and the drainage of nasal fluid called mucus. The sinuses give us a nicer sound and reduce the weight of our skull. There are 4 main pairs of sinuses, sometimes called sinus cavities:

• Maxillary--located in the cheekbones
• Frontal--located between the eye sockets
• Ethmoid--located between the eye sockets
• Sphenoid--located deep inside the head at the rear of the nose

During sinusitis, the swelling blocks the openings in the sinuses where the mucus pass through when it drains into the nose. When the mucus fails to drain properly, the pressure of the blocked fluid inside the sinuses can cause mild to severe pain depending on the individual.

Sinusitis is a common ailment. It is often mistaken for a common headache with headache and stuffy or runny nose. For most individuals, this ailment is a temporary condition that can be treated with a simple medication. If the symptoms are persistent, other medication therapy may be tried to help. For some rare cases, surgery can bring permanent relief. Consult your doctor about the different available treatments for you.