There are four paired sinuses named for the skull bones in which they are located in the human head:. Like the nasal cavity, the sinuses are all lined with mucus. The mucus secretions produced in the sinuses are continually being swept into the nose by the hair-like structures on the surface of the respiratory membrane. This serves to moisten the air we breathe through our noses. The hollow sinuses also act to lighten the bones of the skull and serve as resonating chambers for speech.
The paired and often asymmetrical sinuses are small or rudimentary at birth but grow as the skull grows. In adults, the sinuses vary considerably in size and shape. Sinuses are susceptible to infection. There are three small pairs of the ethmoid sinuses. The sphenoid sinuses are behind the eyes, deeper into your skull. These sinuses collectively are called the paranasal sinuses.
Picture of the sinuses. Sinus function. The draining mucus helps keep your nose moist and it filters out dust and bacteria. The sinuses also: give your voice resonance as the air vibrates help protect your face in case of trauma insulate against rapid temperature changes in the nose provide an immunological defense. The most common sinus problem. Your sinuses can become infected by bacteria, a virus, or both.
Infections of the maxillary sinuses are most common. Diagram of sinus infection. Symptoms of sinusitis Symptoms of a sinus infection are similar to those of a cold: Depending on which sinuses are infected, you may feel pain or pressure in your forehead, cheeks, ears, or teeth. You may have thick, sticky mucus coming from your nose. Your mucus may be cloudy, or have a greenish-yellow color. Mucus may drip down the back of your throat postnasal drip , giving you a sore throat and cough.
Your nose may be stuffed , restricting your breathing. Your face may feel tender, especially around the eyes. Other symptoms include: hoarseness fever fatigue bad breath decreased sense of smell and taste.
Chronic sinus infections. Chronic sinusitis is one of the most common chronic conditions. Factors involved with chronic sinusitis include: viral or bacterial infections fungal infections hay fever or allergies to dust mites, molds, and so on frequent exposure to cigarette smoke or other airborne pollutants nasal polyps , a deviated septum, or a damaged nasal structure medical conditions such as asthma , HIV , or cystic fibrosis aspirin sensitivity respiratory tract infections.
What you can do if you have sinusitis. Acute sinusitis care tips Try moist heat or steam. Inhale for about 2 minutes. Create an enclosed space for the moist, warm air to collect by draping a towel over your head as you lean over the bowl. Other tips to manage symptoms: Take over-the-counter OTC pain medication to ease headaches. Chronic sinusitis can be extremely irritating, and in some cases a surgical technique may be used to enlarge the sinuses and their drainage outlets to reduce the buildup of mucus and fluid.
Cancers can also develop in the sinuses, with the potential to metastasize to other areas of the body. Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer.
Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors. Mary McMahon. Please enter the following code:. The pink membranes lining the sinuses are called mucosa. Mucosa make mucus which is then moved out of the sinus cavities and into the nasal cavity.
Along the sides of the nasal cavity there are shelves of bone called turbinates. The turbinates, which are also covered by mucosa, help humidify the air that you breath. There are generally three turbinates inferior, middle, and superior on each side.
Most of the sinuses drain into a common outflow pathway, just beyond the middle turbinate. This region is called the osteomeatal complex See Figure 2. When you breath in, air flows between the turbinates and the nasal septum.
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